Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Thriveworks Amherst (Hampshire County)

When the social distancing orders were first put into effect, we were optimistic that the coronavirus would be easy to beat, and we would be back to business as usual in no time.

Now, over a month later, that has proved wrong. As our leaders begin to lift the stay-at-home orders and take small steps towards recovering from the coronavirus, you may be feeling another wave of anxiety and overwhelm. Once again, things are changing. And once again, we aren’t quite sure how.

Thriveworks Amherst understands this feeling of overwhelm and anxiety, and we will walk with you through this new challenge. Although we are unsure what the future will hold, we are sure of one thing:

You are not alone. Together, we will get through this.

We have seen clients, and ourselves, take on challenges they thought would be the end of them. But time after time, they overcame. The coronavirus is a different challenge, and will need a multi-faceted approach, but Thriveworks Amherst remains confident that Hampshire County can do this.

One of the sides coronavirus is impacting and needs our attention is our mental health. Mental wellness is also a multi-facetted issue and there are many ways we can assure it is healthy. One way is to talk to a counselor. To schedule an online therapy appointment or to ask any questions, call Thriveworks Amherst at (413) 684-4805.

How to Stay Mentally Well During the Coronavirus

So, you’ve already mastered cake-baking, cleaned the garage, and your dog is getting tired of going on walks. Now what?

During stagnant days and not much change our brains can fall into a dangerous rut. We can start to feel overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, depressed, and much more. If you are experiencing less-than-ideal mental health, reach out to Thriveworks Amherst. There is never a concern too big or too small for us to handle. You deserve the best mental health possible. Thriveworks Amherst can help you get there.

Also, there are many things you can do yourself to keep your mind fresh and healthy.

• Limit your news-watching time: It’s important to stay up to date on the latest safety protocols, especially as our communities are starting to open again. However, a small amount of news can go a long way. Thriveworks Amherst recommends three, 10-minute sessions from a news source you trust. This way, you are getting the information you need while keeping yourself safe from coronavirus fear.
• Stay active: Even 5 minutes every hour, or every other hour, of light exercise can go a long way. Do some pushups, go for a walk, or have an impromptu dance party! Your activity goal should be attainable and Incorporate an audiobook or Netflix into your routine to make it more fun. Higher levels of anxiety can make it harder for the body to recover, so you don’t need to work out very hard to get great mental health benefits.
• Try something new: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s normal to crave a routine. Routines are good, but so is stimulating the brain. Do a puzzle, pick up a new hobby, learn something new. Anything to get your brain working in a different way. Research shows that people who stimulate their brain daily are both mentally and physically healthier.
• Routines are also good: Structuring your day while allowing space to exercise your brain is a tricky balance, but it is possible. Wake up at the same time during the weekdays, make your coffee, and get some work done. Or go for a walk at the same time every day. Show some self-forgiveness and love during this time. Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed makes it hard for your brain to be productive. That’s okay!
• Reach out! When in doubt, talk to someone. Talk to friends, family, acquaintances, the grocery-store worker, and/or a counselor. We are serving the Amherst area with professionalism and expertise.

It’s okay if you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, stressed, and depressed. It’s also okay to take the time you need to feel better. You deserve to live the best life you can, and that includes during this pandemic.

How We Can Help You During the Coronavirus

Sometimes, there just aren’t enough home-remedies and self-care to get you feeling better. That’s why our Belchertown counselor chose to practice mental health counseling. We want to see you feeling your best, and we have the tools to get you there.

We offer online therapy through both telephone counseling and video therapy. During a remote therapy session, you might talk about:

• Adult Anxiety: There’s a lot going on right now and anxiety is nothing to be ashamed about! Our Hadley counselors can help relieve some of that pressure.
• Teen anxiety: Teenagers process and feel in different ways than adults. We have online counselors who are specialized in treating teenagers with anxiety.
• Coping with Isolation: Isolation can do damaging things to our brains. If you are starting to feel symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s best to get ahead of the issue and talk to an online therapist.
• Coronavirus Fear: There’s a lot of unknown in the world right now. We get it! It is also possible to regain control of the fear and thrive again.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a powerful tool used by therapist to uproot negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with positive thoughts and behavior. CBT is useful in treating anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-worth, trauma, eating disorders, and much more! Our counselors always make sure to combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other counseling techniques, so the session is best fitted for you and your goals.

The coronavirus can disrupt our way of life. As we enter this time of transitioning, it’s important to put effort into our mental wellness. Thriveworks Amherst has online counseling appointments open today. To schedule, call (413) 684-4805.