The overall health of our clients and community is of the utmost importance to us. At Orleans Psychological Services we emphasize working within the Bio-Psycho-Social Model of care and of understanding those whom we serve. As people we clearly know that our unique biology affects our overall health, but so do our thoughts, feelings and social interactions. While we feel that this is an excellent model, it also leaves out the critical component of our spirituality – particularly important in times like these.
Thus, the response of Orleans Psychological Services and our suggested response to those concerned about the Coronavirus (Covid-19) focuses on these four key areas. Firstly, we encourage everyone to follow the latest health guidelines which include focusing on our good basic hygiene practices and can be found at sites such as www.cdc.gov. Focusing also maintaining good habits of diet, sleep and exercise help to sustain our overall health.
Psychologically, we recommend a balanced approach to the Coronavirus with precautions taken as necessary but also with the knowledge that a study of history (even recent virus history) provides that “this too shall pass”. Heightened awareness is understandable and can be helpful to prevent becoming ill or spreading the virus. However, this is not a state that our bodies or minds can maintain for an extended period of time without negative effects. As difficult as it can be to sift through the polarizing news stories, a good rule of thumb is to aim for the middle ground in our thinking – it’s not going to be as bad as the doomsayers warn and it is something to take seriously contrary to what conspiracy theorists might say.
One of the greatest risks to our mental health is social isolation as we are social beings by nature. Therefore, finding ways to remain in human contact by phone, Skype, Facetime or other means is crucial to keeping our wits about us if we find ourselves in need of or in desire to quarantine. We would also be served well to offer the “benefit of the doubt” to our fellow persons. While the Coronavirus is scary the cough or sniffle of a neighbor or fellow shopper remains most likely due to the effects of changing Spring weather, allergies or a common cold.
Lastly, times like these call for the calming presence of a higher power. We encourage a prayerful response to the current situation as a means to keep us grounded and to keep our hearts and minds focused on the important matters of life.
At Orleans Psychological Services we will remain open to continue service to our clients and community. We will take extra precautions in disinfecting common rooms, doorknobs and surfaces daily. For those who wish to stay home or are in quarantine we will work to find alternative methods of delivering service such as through telemedicine. By nature and training we are not reactionary and will strive to work with individuals and families to quiet fears and help us all to return to normal and healthy holistic lives during and after the threat has passed.
Please contact us if we can be of any help.
