Life after COVID-19: Navigating our fears and social adjustments

May 26, 2020

Providence Mental Health Team

For the last three months, we've spent most of our lives sheltering in place. We’ve cleaned, exercised in our living rooms and worked remotely. There was also a lot of adjustment and anxiety to overcome.

But now, as communities and businesses begin to reopen, there's a different kind of adjustment and anxiety. What will life be like? Will we be able to stay healthy? What will the economy look like?

Navigating these fears won't be easy, which is why Robin Henderson, PsyD, chief executive, Behavioral Health for Providence Oregon, recently sat down for a Facebook Live chat about how to cope with life after COVID-19. #HerFeed creator Brette Borrow joined Dr. Henderson for the discussion.

"There's a lot to be anxious about these days — it's stressful and hard to live with," Henderson says. "Somehow, we need to navigate a new life that we don't really understand yet."

During the discussion, Dr. Henderson covered:

Common fears as we "go back to normal" and how to deal with these anxieties
How to create a "self-care kit" to boost your mental health
Ways to feel in control during uncertain times
How to help friends and loved ones (teens, in particular) who may be struggling

Watch a recording of the Facebook Life event with Dr. Henderson and Brette, which originally aired on May 18, 2020.

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