Coping with COVID19 Access Fort Garry Erin Roach

Coping with COVID-19 Access Fort Garry Erin Roach, Occupational Therapist Laura Byman Primary Care Nurse

**Disclaimer**: Informed Consent Please be aware that this an open group, held virtually using Microsoft Teams. This means that different people may join each session. Be mindful of the personal and health information that you choose to share with other members of the public. These sessions are not being recorded. As with any group, confidentiality is of upmost importance. What is said in the group, stays in the group. Topics can be sensitive; if experiencing distressing thoughts; please connect with either one of us after group. We ask that you do not share thoughts of self-harm or trauma experiences with the group as this can be triggering for others.

Virtual Manners • • Using virtual platforms for meetings is a first for a lot of us (including your lovely group leaders) There a few things to keep in mind when you participate in a virtual meeting/group • • • Arrive on time Keep your microphone on “mute” when you aren’t speaking Use the chat function Share your name before speaking Be mindful of your level of participation. . Anything else?

Review of Topics • • • Review: Last week we discussed Routines and New Occupations Today we will look at connecting with others In the upcoming weeks we will discuss: • • Session 5: Sleep and Nutrition Session 6: Resources in Community

WELCOME! We are really glad you are here. • Please share your name and one thing you love discussing with others!

Mindfulness exercise • Stop, Breath and Think App • Engaging your senses

QUOTE Feeling socially connected, especially in an increasingly isolated world, is more important than ever.

Why is Connection Important? Improve your quality of life Boost your mental health Help you live longer Decrease your risk of suicide

Don’t forget to Connect with Yourself When we connect to ourselves we are able to create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. Observing what we are actually feeling protects us from worsening negative emotions and from engaging in numbing behaviors. This doesn’t eliminate negative feelings or behaviors, but it helps you cope more healthfully when tough times arise.

How do I Connect with Myself? Notice your feelings Name your feelings Accept your thoughts and feelings Practice self compassion

Ways to Connect from a Distance Phone call Text message Face Time/Zoom Write a letter Schedule a time to have a safe visit from a distance Online/virtual groups

What to do After you Connect Online/Virtually

Virtual Fatigue Virtual interactions can be very exhausting on the brain In-person; focus is on words but also on non-verbal cues! A typical virtual call/text does not always allow you to observe non verbal cues Brain is multi-tasking during virtual visits

Homework Pick a person to connect with over the next week – this can be a friend, family member or professional. Decide how you will connect with them and establish a date and time. Be sure to take a break after your connection Think about how you felt after connecting with someone.

Closing Review – Calm in the storm – both by web browser and on smart phone app Next week Sleep and Nutrition

References Riverside Community Care. (2020). The Importance of Social Connection. Mind. Wise Innovations. Retrieved from https: //www. mindwise. org/blog/uncategorized/the-importance-of-social-connection/ Sklar, J. (2020, April 24). ‘Zoom fatigue’ is taxing the brain. Here’s why that happens. National Geographic |Coronavirus Coverage|. Retrieved from https: //api-nationalgeographiccom. cdn. ampproject. org/c/s/api. nationalgeographic. com/distribution/public/amp/science/2020/04/coro navirus-zoom-fatigue-is-taxing-the-brain-here-is-why-that-happens Tartakovsky, M. (2018, July 08). 5 Ways to Strengthen Connection to Yourself. Psych. Central. Retrieved from https: //psychcentral. com/blog/5 -ways-to-strengthen-your-connection-to-yourself/