During times of HIGH emotional stress, like the COVID 19 pandemic, "triggers" go up for the population as a whole, and especially for those dealing with addiction! The HIGH STRESS can impact us in many ways—
Financial fear and instability
Increased feelings of anxiety and depression--both individually and socially
Feeling a lack of emotional safety and stability
Increased strain on relationships; more time together (which can be good and bad); increased strain on parents
Spiritual stress—is God there for me? Can I trust Him? Will He take care of us? Will we make it through this?
Turning to outlets for self-soothing and coping like pornography, substances, gaming, social media, food, etc.
How can you COPE? In this episode we talk about:
Good "Self-Care"
Safe activities; getting outside; mixing up your routine; keeping a solid, reliable structure in place
Journaling and focusing on what you CAN control; living one day at a time
You MUST stay CONNECTED to those around you—do "emotional check-ins" with spouse AND children; maintain social and recovery connections; give "safe service"
Get OUTSIDE your own head!Seek a variety of ways to stay CONNECTED TO GOD
Use the "First 3 Steps" as a guide
Find out more about Steve Moore at: Ascension Counseling
Learn more about Mark Kastleman at: Reclaim Counseling Services