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Don’t let COVID lead to negative coping skills
letter

Editor, Ceres Courier,

In March 2020, the world temporarily closed.  Covid-19 reshaped lives.

The pandemic is not our only problem now.

We heard the doom-and-gloom stories of coronavirus for months.  Massive job loss, civil unrest, and whether kids should attend school in person are constantly discussed.

Many people feel a mixture of tiredness, disgust, rage, anxiety, grief, depression and are overwhelmed with the chaos.  Californians are emotionally and physically worn out.

This ongoing stress is crisis fatigue.  It can take a toll on the body and mind.

Crisis fatigue is not a formal medical diagnosis, but its effects are real. Here are a few ways to manage it:

• Avoid negative coping skills. Overdrinking, drug use, and overspending money are a few. Negative consequences can come, like driving drunk. I was critically injured after a drunken driver hit me in 1992.

• Make a daily routine. This is an essential cure because it is done continuously.  It is something you have control over.

• Limit the news. Do not be glued to the media.  Too much can increase your crisis fatigue. Disconnect from the news sometimes. Believe in your own resilience. This helps you survive the long road ahead.


Lori Martin,

Tracy


LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed and include an address and phone number. Letters should be 250 words or less and be void of libel. Send to The Ceres Courier, 138 S. Center Street, Turlock CA 95380 or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com.