In our rebound series, we’re focusing on ways to help you get back on track during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the number of Coronavirus cases increase across the country and in South Florida, so is our anxiety and stress.
“I have this attitude that I’m not gonna complain about the fact that our lives obviously have been turned inside out and upside down,” said Anna del Rio Chong.
Anna is trying to stay positive during this difficult time.
“On the first day of the pandemic, when the kids had to start homeschooling, we actually moved houses. It wasn’t planned that way, it just ended up happening. So, we’ve been living under construction with three kids, three schools, plus trying to work,” said Anna.
But when the mother of three thinks about the upsides of the Coronavirus pandemic, she thinks about how she and her family spend more time together.
“My husband and I have breakfast together in the morning by ourselves, really early. Lunch, I’m with the kids while he’s working. At night, no cell phones, no TVs, no distractions, and we all have dinner together,” said Anna.
The downside?
“It’s very overwhelming,” said Anna.
Anna is just one of the hundreds of thousands of South Floridians feeling this way.
Dr. Amanda Patterson owner of “Caring Therapists of Broward” says it’s important to stay present.
“There has to be a balance between the future and the present. We don’t really know what’s going to happen in the future. So many things can happen, and I think we’ve learned that the hard way during this process,” said Patterson.
Patterson says parents should have daily conversations with their children, be gentle with them, and incorporate ways to reduce tension and stress.
“When we are working with people who are trying to lift a depression, we tell them to increase pleasurable activities. It’s the same thing right now. Increase pleasurable activities, whatever that is for you. Whether it’s doing a puzzle, playing boardgames, baking something new, and even in the future when you are not stressed, this is good reminder to bring fun,” said Patterson.
For Anna, she is thankful for her family and recommends others do what she does, just take things one day at a time.
“We’ll survive, we’ll live to tell,” said Anna.
If you need help, or if you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patterson, head to CaringTherapistsOfBroward.com
