Great North Counseling Services and COVID-19 Office Changes
Our client’s physical and emotional health are our greatest focus. Don’t worry, we are taking care of ours, too! Based on public health recommendations, we are following the current practices here of social distancing! We have moved our practice to telehealth-only services until further notice. While we would like to schedule a set-date to bring office sessions back, our news and changes have been coming by the day, and at times, by the hour. We here, are in the practice of modeling “rolling with it.” So,… here we go! We are still available via telephone, the client portal and telehealth sessions, so we are not too far away. We want to maintain as much access to care as possible. Your health is a priority. Remember, health statuses will begin to improve, and we will regain prior normalcy; hang in there!
Illness and isolation guidelines and recommendations:
1. If you are ill with a respiratory infection of any kind you must isolate for a minimum of 7 days. Once you have isolated for 7 days and are fever-free for at least 3 days (NOT taking any fever reducers like aspirin or acetaminophen) AND your symptoms are improving, you may resume normal activities and return to the office, etc. practicing social distancing (maintaining a 6 foot distance) and it is being recommended to avoid groups 10 or larger.
2. Your household contacts are being asked to/recommended to isolate for 14 days or follow the above guidelines if they get sick.
3. Medical facilities and CDC recommend that if you are experiencing shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, chest pain (other than pain with coughing that goes away), please call your local medical facility.
4. Isolation does not mean you have to stay indoors. Sunlight and movement boost the immune system. Get out and walk if you are able.
What Do I Do Locked in My Home!?
While you may believe that social distancing may feel punishing or a break from work may feel like a crisis, we are in this together. A lot of organizations, entities and even government systems are making provisions to assist people in making this work. While at home, your children may be busy, and they may be also struggling with the changes; it may come out through behaviors such as impatience, agitation, frustration, feeling bored or like they are missing out, or worse through sibling rivalry! You’ve got this! Don’t fuel the fire; redirect with some creative ideas. For you, take it as a well-needed vacation. This is your reset button. While I suggest to get cozy and enjoy, I do I have a few suggestions to ward off increased anxiety or depression.
1) Firstly, you don’t have to be locked in your home. Exercise is a great way to use your time! No, I am not suggesting that you have to become a competitive athlete during this time, if you are not one; but I will suggest to get some fresh air, enjoy some movement, stretching, and if you feel like it, exercise bands allow for great low-impact exercise. There are a ton of youtube channels to follow along.
2) Begin developing that meditation or guided imagery routine you’ve been procrastinating. Again, there are some great youtube channels and apps out for this.
3) Connect with friends and family via online, Facetime, Skype, Zoom, etc. Enjoy!
4) Play games and craft with your family! While your children are not used to being at home as much right now, they may thrive on having your attention and connecting with you. This will bring relationships closer.
5) Light a candle, take a bath, cook a new dish, enjoy nice music, DANCE!!! Because not many are watching (unless you wish to live stream it). Choices…!? Do you, and enjoy self-care.
6) Finish an old craft, book or project if you get the chance.
7) Turn off the news. While staying up-to-date is important, you don’t need to watch it for hours. I’m sure 30 minutes at the end of the day is sufficient if you must.
8) Do very little for a day; take a deep breath in and enjoy the solitude of no pressure, no rush, no rat race. Today is your day.
9) Get groceries at a pick-up spot for someone who may need your help. Pick up the trash around your neighborhood while walking.
10) Most of all, please remember that this is about “flattening the curve”; so enjoy the fact that we are each doing a part to help each other on a much larger scale. You are so amazingly important. Don’t forget to do your positive self-affirmations.
