Coping with the Effects of Unemployment

Coping with the Effects of Unemployment

Many people around the world have been left jobless because of COVID-19. You get fired without notice or your business closes its doors. This has plunged the world into sleepless nights over rent, mortgages, school fees, and daily sustenance. There is a high risk of developing anxiety and depression over these fears and worries. ACT Family Counseling recommends the following to take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing:

Allow yourself to feel angry, sad, and anxious

Don’t fight the feeling. Allow yourself to get angry or frustrated. Let yourself be sad, anxious, and everything else. This is a therapeutic strategy recognized as ACT—acceptance and commitment therapy. It works well to remind you that in many things, as humans, we have no control. Once you accept what is happening, it becomes easier to adapt and make the needed survival changes.

Maintain perspective

It is easy to blame yourself for the job loss and financial turmoil that characterizes this period. Don’t do that. Keep in mind that many people have been affected by the scourge of the pandemic. Organizations have had to make tougher decisions to downsize. It’s not your fault, and it’s certainly not your boss’s fault.

Seek help with essentials

Many states, local, and government resources have been mobilized at this time to help those in dire need. If you cannot meet your basic needs, such as food and shelter, find a local shelter or food bank in your community for assistance. And do not forget to file for pandemic unemployment insurance relief. The benefits, though small, may play a significant role in reducing your financial burden.

Boost your energy

On average, a person thinks 60,000 thoughts every day. Now, around this time, when all that is on TV is negative news about the pandemic, a large majority of these thoughts are gloomy, depressing, and anxious. That can drain your energy and make you question if life is worth living. To avoid that, make yourself busy with a hobby or through exercise. Do something that pumps up your energy.

We are here to help

ACT Family Counseling is counseling is here for you if job loss has you are feeling overwhelmed and alone at this time.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.

Preventing Household Conflict During COVID

Preventing Household Conflict During COVID

Few things in life can cause more tension than spending too much time with the same people. As days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, minor annoyances fester into major conflict. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fortunately, there are some strategies your family can adopt to preserve the harmony in your home until the COVID-19 pandemic is over and behind us.

  1. Hit the Pause Button.

Frustration is like a volcano. Pressure builds and builds until it finally erupts into an argument. Learn to recognize when your frustration levels are rising. Taking a deep breath and pausing for a few moments can help release the pressure.

  1. Talk Openly (& Listen)

Discuss your feelings with your family, and listen as they discuss how they feel. Conflict always involves more than one person, so everyone must understand the things they can do to ease the burden on one another.

  1. Cherish “Me” Time

Whether it’s a walk in the park or a drive through the woods, everyone needs time away. Get away from the house and enjoy some quiet time away from potential stressors.

  1. Establish House Rules

Rules help prevent conflict before it occurs. Rules should include quiet time for work and studies, dedicated family time, establishing which areas of the home are for work/study, and which are for play.

  1. Be Patient, and Be Kind

Please. Thank You. I appreciate your help. Simple words and kind phrases go a long way towards expressing gratitude and maintaining a conflict-free home.

ACT Family Counseling is here for you. Our counselors understand the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created for families, and we can help you adopt strategies that will bring your family closer together. We encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment.

 

ACT Family Counseling

6 Locations to Serve You

Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville

800.801.8777

This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com

CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.