Correction: The image’s caption was updated to clarify the image’s source.
Correction: Image updated to fix cropping.
On October 8th, LBCC Mental Health Clinician and Student Health Services advisor, Brianna Reyes, held an online workshop discussing specific techniques to cope with hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The workshop was held in a Zoom meeting at 2:30pm and provided viewers with videos, a PowerPoint presentation, and Reyes’ own insights about coping techniques to alleviate negative thoughts and emotions.
A lot of information had mainly touched on subjects relating to symptoms, things to be cautious about, and coping strategies.
Some common symptoms of anxiety and depression are present in most individuals who suffer from a lack of productivity or exercise from the stagnation created by the pandemic.
Because stress from anxiety and depression are harmful to the mind and body, it is important individuals adopt a more positive perspective, which are improved by many of the given coping strategies like breathing exercises.
LBCC student, Katherine Miller, uses some coping techniques that were mentioned from Thursday’s meeting.
Miller says she sometimes has trouble dealing with bad thoughts or feelings, so she usually walks her dog as a form of diversion from thinking about her pessimistic thoughts.
Miller said, “If I’m having a negative thought, a way to really wire that thought to something not so negative; not jump to conclusions.”
“Walking my dog and being outside helps me focus on something else that’s not my thoughts. It’s nice to be outside and get fresh air and stuff. I feel like that helps break up the monotony that Covid can throw upon you; break up the day, do something different,” Miller shared.
Another LBCC student, Sophia Cobb, says she can relate to Miller as she had also used some common coping strategies. Cobb also uses diversion methods to calm herself down in times of stress.
“I do try to find ways to distract myself from boredom, from anxiousness. One of the ways I would do that would be cooking or just making art, or listening to music. Finding ways to distract myself,” said Cobb. “It kind of calms my nerves sometimes. It’s kind of like a de-stress kind of thing.”
Reyes has also added that another workshop will be held on the 22nd, which will mainly go over topics discussing ways to connect socially during times of high-stress.