“MENTAL HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AMIDST CRISIS FT. DOC GIA SISON” EP. 40 SHOW NOTES FROM THE PODCAST:

A lot of people might be telling us how to take care of ourselves and to keep away from the virus but the usually neglected part of anyone taking care of themselves is mental health. In this episode, we’ve invited Doc Gia Sison to talk about it and to also help us adapt in this time of pandemic.

close-up-business-man-reading-newspaper_23-2148446290.jpg — Ways to overcome the panic and anxiety caused by the virus

○ Be aware of how we feel. Ask for support. There are a lot of people who are willing to lend support.
○ **Try to find ways to deviate the negative energy to something that is more positive.**
○ Talk about how you feel. Now is the best time to let people know also how you feel, because that’s a way of venting.
○ Social media distancing. Information overload can actually trigger anxiety. It’s okay to be informed but sometimes, we tend to believe different sources to the point that we don’t even know what is true anymore. So, we should choose credible sources and avoid being overwhelmed with all those info.
○ Set time when to read the news. Think of it as a newspaper that you consume and end when the time frame is done.

smiling-girl-with-closed-eyes-breathing-fresh-air_158595-3717.jpg — Practical tips to ease anxiety while on quarantine

○ Do deep breaths. Get some fresh air. Search breathing exercises on Youtube and practice grounding techniques.
○ Walk around. Move around the house. Physical activity will help ease anxiety.
○ **Pour out your anxiety in something you can do to declutter how you feel.** Like doing household chores.
○ Set a schedule as if you still have a normal life. Try to normalize your situation. Make a pattern.
○ Talk to someone with regards on how you feel. Venting is one form of letting go of negative emotions.

Tips on how to support someone who experiences depression

○ Listen to them. Listen to understand instead of listening to react. Try to guide him/her through when anxiety strikes.
○ For those who are diagnosed with anxiety, don’t stop your medications.
○ Support people who are experiencing anxiety and depression. **Let them know that you are there to help.** Be there for each other.
○ Try to understand what the other person is undergoing.

Always remember that your feelings are valid. There are hotlines out there who are willing to help whenever you experience anything. Call them. They will guide you through. For our frontliners, it’s okay to seek help. Just keep going. This will pass. Kaya natin ‘to!

—

Stay tuned for more episodes and don’t forget to use the hashtag #AdultingWithJoycePring if you have any comments or suggestions for future topics!

Episode summary by Chiara Quebral

Adulting With Joyce Pring the Podcast:

The How-To’s of your 20’s told by a 26 year old. Basically, the blind leading the blind - expectantly and with gusto. Adulting With Joyce Pring the podcast is available for free on iTunes, Spotify, Podcast app, and all your other podcast providers. All written, recorded, and produced by Joyce Pring, unless stated otherwise.