Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life has profound effects on people’s health, both mentally and physically.
COVID-19 is doing more than affecting our physical health. It’s creating mental health challenges for nearly each and every one of us: from the trauma experienced by those working on the front lines to the stress related to losing a job, uncertainty about the future, or the loss of a loved one.
The emotions associated with these challenges are the first clue that you or someone you care for may be struggling. Giving meaning, structure, and purpose to these emotions can help us manage them as they arise.
You’ll learn effective tactics for dealing with learned helplessness, to strengthen your relationships, and to better adapt to new physical, financial, and familial environments.
Use this worksheet to follow along with the webinar or reflect on the questions and answer for yourself at a later time.
This content is also available in Spanish.
Audience Questions
Dr. Palmer also answers a few questions from attendees:
- How can I avoid falling prey to learned helplessness from others, and how can I help them overcome it?
- How do I help encourage an appropriate balance of feeling calm but also feeling fearful of the world around me in my household? Is there a balance?
- What are some indicators that the anxiety people might be feeling around this situation is taking over their daily life? Do you have any suggestions for combating it?
About Dr. Palmer
For over 20 years, Christopher M. Palmer, MD, has focused his clinical work on treatment-resistant cases, and recently he has been pioneering the use of the ketogenic diet in psychiatry, especially treatment-resistant cases of mood and psychotic disorders. He is currently the director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Learn more about Dr. Palmer.
More COVID-19 Resources
It’s important to think about ways to manage your mental health during these difficult times. McLean is committed to providing mental health and self-care resources for all who may need them. You and your family may find these strategies from McLean experts helpful to feel mentally balanced and safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
Learn more on our COVID-19 mental health resources page or get access to our COVID-19 Webinar Series.
