Put the uncertainty in perspective. Hopefully, there will come a time when we will resume our normal lives. Until then, we should acknowledge the uncertainty without immediately reacting to the worries that it creates. It is important to take a step back and think before reacting. This involves challenging ourselves to stay in the present and resist projecting into the future. Use this time for self-care, reflection, and/or catching up on the “to-do list.” We should be kind to ourselves and those around us. As best we can, we should show empathy to others and try to help our friends, families, and colleagues who are having a difficult time managing this crisis.
Pearls
Taking care of ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic
Current Psychiatry. 2020 May;19(5):46-47
Author and Disclosure Information
Dr. Joshi is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, and Associate Director, Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina.
Disclosure
The author reports no financial relationships with any companies whose products are mentioned in this article, or with manufacturers of competing products.