Change can be a stressful thing, and with things changing on a day to day basis, it’s important to keep good mental health.
Alexa Waldmann, the Director of Clinical Services at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, said it's important to realize that this is affecting us all. She spoke on how changes and uncertainty will cause emotions to rise, but the best thing to do is define what those emotions are.
"There's just a lot of emotions being brought up. Some of the main emotions that I see are fear, anger, and anxiety. Those kind of seem to be the most prominent ones, and those are difficult emotions,” said Waldmann.
Waldmann spoke on the best way of coping with fear was facts, and not to get information from sources that may exaggerate the truth.
"If you are feeling fear I think information is really important. So being able to get a clear picture of what's going on, of how we are working together as a community to solve the problem."
As for anger, Waldmann told us people use it as a self-protection mode, focusing on the self rather than seeing this as a community issue that needs to be faced as such. For anxiety, Waldmann recommends finding the little things day by day that make us happy, things that we can control.
“Instead of focusing on the future and what might not be, focusing on what we do have and what's going well right now," said Waldmann.
Residents we spoke with like William Kade are taking it day by day, showing pride and hope in their faith and country. “We gotta stay true Americans, and not let this tear us down, or stop us from enjoying life. Try to follow the rules that they set before us and not get discouraged."
For Vietnam Veteran Roger Kay, he finds that joy talking with his grandchildren across the country. “Calling them and letting them know we are okay, and then encouraging them from the perspective I have from just being around longer. And again paying attention to the little things and enjoying the little things. It makes a big difference."
Waldmann also says to look for the lesson in each struggle we go through, to help yourself and others with similar situations. "We can turn it into something good too by learning from it. Suffering without meaning equals despair. So if we can put meaning to our suffering, that's really helpful for us."
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources out there for you. The Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is offering free confidential assessments. They will help you get the resources you need just by giving them a call at 775-393-2201.
