COVID-19: HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FEAR AND ANXIETY (AND HELPING YOUR CHILDREN TO COPE)
As your world shrinks during self-isolation and you face uncertainty, you may start to feel anxious or even suffer panic attacks. If you have children at home, you’ll also have to manage their fears and try to keep them calm.
We ask psychoanalyst Kristina Schellinski to share some advice for managing fear and anxiety in adults. We also speak to psychoanalyst Evy Tausky, who specialises in teenagers and children, about managing the fears of your children.
ALSO read our other articles for tips on self-isolation in Geneva:
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Family things to do in Self-quarantine: Week 1
Family things to do in Self-quarantine: Week 2
Things to do in Geneva during self-quarantine
Helpful Resources, websites and Tips during Self-isolation in Geneva
9 Things to Love about Self – Isolation
Best movies and shows to watch on Disney +
How we celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday in self – isolation
TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS, ANXIETY AND FEAR FOR ADULTS:
Control what you can, i.e. take all precautionary measures within your reach but relinquish control of what is beyond your sphere of influence.
Keep yourself informed but do not constantly check for updates, driven by anxiety and fear.
Focus on the positive, on what we can be grateful for, including the new technology allowing us to stay in touch.
Express your fears and frustration, your grief and despair: write down what you think or feel, do a work-out, even at home, and share your preoccupations with others who can understand and help you to safely contain your emotions.
Keep in touch with family and friends and talk about positive developments.
Choose to do what you like and what is safe and permitted, according to the evolving circumstances.
Look outside at nature as an inspiration nad resource, and look inside yourself to recognise the resources and treasures you have within yourself – and discover new ones, too.
Focus on what is essential and imagine enjoyable events and encounters; be creative.
Let your imagination inspire you, meditate or practice yoga and centre yourself!
Kristina Schellinski
Swiss Federally Licensed Psychotherapist
Training Analyst, Supervisor and Lecturer, C.G. Jung-Institut Zürich
For more information on Kristina Schellinski CLICK HERE
MANAGING CHILDREN’S FEARS AND ANXIETY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS
Let your child tell you in her/his own words what she/he understands about the virus and how it is affecting them.
Explain the actual situation to your child using words he or she can understand.
Help your child to find an image representing the virus and encourage the child to draw or play the battle against the virus.
With your children, make up stories, travel to the world of imagination.
Through play, experience with your child the importance and the power of solidarity.
Explain why grandparents cannot take care of them or visit the family at the moment.
Stay in touch and communicate with remote family members.
Maintain a certain daily routine including physical exercise and fresh air, in-house, or if possible outdoors;
Encourage your child to talk about his/her fears.
Evy Tausky
Swiss Federally Licensed Psychotherapist
Training Analyst, Supervisor and Lecturer, C.G. Jung-Institut Zürich
For more information on Evy Tausky CLICK HERE
