Coronavirus Quarantine☣😷👾😱 - Stress, Uncertainty, & Adapting with Telehealth
COVID-19
Stress, Uncertainty, & Adapting with Telehealth
It’s global. It’s concerning. It’s affecting our daily lives significantly. The Novel Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 has been gaining momentum as it spreads. There is a great deal of stress and anxiety surrounding it especially as it has transitioned from a concerning news story in a far away land to becoming something that has us quarantined at home. Schools and businesses closed indefinitely and many of us navigating working from home while trying to keep kids engaged can be a challenge. Others may not be able to transition their jobs to “work from home” status like those working in the entertainment and service industries.
Confirmed Coronavirus cases as of 3-17-2020 according to WHO.
For many, this is a bittersweet reminder to take stock of what matters most in our lives as we seek alternative solutions to subdue panic and cabin fever. What is taking us from our daily routine is also providing us an opportunity to connect with others in more meaningful ways. We are able to slow down long enough to play with children to engage them with discussion and creativity (pillow forts, re-watching Star Wars, Lego builds, tea parties, dance-offs, and more). We are using technology in caring ways as opposed to endless scrolling of social media by using Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime to speak to friends and family “face-to-face” to lend support and also feel connected while being disconnected. We are addressing to-do lists like Spring cleaning and home repairs that have been on the ever-revolving “I’ll get to that eventually” position of our priorities.
What we know is this invisible enemy has humbled industry, education, and our daily lives. What we can do is follow guidance from respected resources to maintain health and adhere to best practices. What we want is a timeline for recovery even though we may need to accept that there is no specific answer, yet. What we need is to be honest with ourselves and others about how we are doing and what we are feeling. What we gain from these trying times might be the initial steps in changing our behaviors and thoughts on what we value most.
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety, please reach out to trusted supports such as family and friends to speak with openly. If you or someone you know is experiencing continued worry and intrusive thoughts, please contact a mental health professional or qualified health provider. We help each other and ourselves by accepting that we may need help to cope with our circumstances.
The commitment we make to bettering the lives of others is an opportunity to serve those in need.
As a mental health provider and private practice owner, I am adapting my practice to serve clients online through telehealth. This allows for a secure video connection to engage in therapy in a format similar to Skype, FaceTime that works on laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Being available to assist existing and new clients is a priority as the health and safety concerns may have us feeling isolated and alone. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule time to discuss your concerns. Mind Above is an in-network provider for most major health plans and able to serve anyone residing in Texas. If you are outside of Texas, please seek providers that can accommodate telehealth. Personally, I recommend asking if the provider’s video connectivity is HIPAA compliant as some may not have the capability to provide a secure connection.
Mind Above uses SimplePractice for telehealth with clients, a secure platform to ensure privacy.
All online services provided by Mind Above including telehealth and client portal messaging features are HIPAA compliant and encrypted/secured to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
The use of unsecured video platforms that are not HIPAA compliant is currently being temporarily waived by US Dept of Health and Human Services in response to the growing demand for access to care while quarantines are in place*
This might be important to note for some while others may not mind the difference in requirements. The waiver period will be temporary so clients and providers should plan accordingly if using unsecured video platforms.
Recommended places to research providers:
Your insurance provider’s find a provider search tool
Asks friends and family for recommendations
