Thread by @Epi_D_Nique

Hey everyone:

This is a very uncertain and honestly scary time.

There are genuine risks to the health & safety of ourselves & those we care about.

Our lives are being significantly disrupted.

Here’s how I, someone w anxiety, is getting through. 🧵

Step one:

Radical acceptance.

My grandmother is 96. She lives in a rural area and relies on caretakers.

There’s a good chance she won’t make it through this.

I can’t change this.

So I accept this.

Life is different now & will be for a while.

I accept this.

2/

Step two:

Figure out what you CAN do.

Examples:

Sign up for volunteer lists to help those who need assistance with housing, food, funds.

Check in on vulnerable neighbors.

Call/write your local & state reps to ask them to care for vulnerable folx during shutdowns.

3/

Step two cont.:

Help local businesses.

Order delivery to help support restaurants - esp those hit by xenophobia.

#ShopLocal

If you can swing it, promise to keep paying ppl who work for you like dog walkers & cleaners even if they can’t come or you don’t really need them.
4

Step three:

Stay connected.

Video chats are a great way to stay in touch. I do these on the reg w my family in Chile.

Play online games together.

Call a friend & entertain their kiddos.

Craft presents for birthdays and Christmas!

5/

Step four:

Step away from the news.

News can exacerbate the sense of helplessness.

Limit your news time or have a news buddy who can update you on things you need to know.

Accept that you can’t change most of what’s happen so knowing what’s going on isn’t necessary.

6/

Step 5:

Make space for complicated feelings.

Be sad.
Angry.
Worried.
Hopeful.
Happy.
Relaxed.
Creative.
Unfocused.
Numb.

ALL feelings are valid.

Everyone is doing the best they can. You are too.

We can get through this together.

Things have changed. It just is. ❤️

PS - if you are feeling overwhelmed REACH OUT.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline:
1-800-985-5990
or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
(TTY 1-800-846-8517)

Addendum:

If you are having trouble sleeping I cannot recommend this book enough!

amazon.com/Quiet-Your-Min…