Got Stress?

Helping Others Cope

Coping With Stress

Mental Health and Crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

What I Offer

Stress can cause the following:

Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration. Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Difficulty sleeping or nightmares. Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes. Worsening of chronic health problems. Worsening of mental health conditions. Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

If You Are In Crisis, Get Immediate Help

Need Help?

Call 911
Georgia Crises and Access Line (GCAL) 1-800-715-4225
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422- 4453

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 – TTY Instructions

Helping Others Cope

Factors Impacting Wellness

Stress is our response to anything that threatens our physical, emotional, or financial health or survival. A stressor is an event or series of events that harm or threaten people and cause them to respond. When we suffer from too much stress for too long, it is called distress. Persistent, extended periods of negative stress can precede other issues that impact mental wellness. It is often difficult for people to distinguish between depression and stress.

Distress is extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Depression is a disorder that affects the biochemical balance of the brain and causes symptoms such as low energy, sadness, physical impairment, low self-esteem, and problems with thinking. Depression may be diagnosed when multiple symptoms are present for more than two weeks.

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all behavioral health conditions. Anxiety includes fears, apprehensive mood, feelings of dread, and worried thoughts and behaviors. Some types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and phobias. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression, substances abuse, and poor self-esteem.

Grief is the pain we feel related to loss. The pain can be felt emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically. Grief can be experienced because of death, divorce, or any number of losses. It is important that we recognize grief as one of the emotions we may be experiencing during difficult times.

Suicidal comments should never be discounted. Always respond immediately. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

If You Are In Crisis, Get Immediate Help

Symptoms of Stress

Stress can impact all aspects of life. Symptoms of stress can differ from person to person. It is important to recognize when you are feeling stressed before the stress becomes chronic.

Emotional
Moodiness, irritability
Anger
Feeling overwhelmed, lacking control
Difficulty relaxing, restless
Loneliness, avoidance
Feeling worthless, hopeless
Low self-esteem
Anxiety, panic

Behavior
Sleeping too much or too little
Eating too much or too little
Procrastination
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Nervous behaviors (nail biting, fidgeting, pacing)

Physical
Lethargy, body fatigue, lack of energy
Headaches
Gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea)
Aches and pains, tightness in muscles
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, short breathing
Frequent colds or infections
Loss of interest in activities
Nervousness, anxiety
Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
Clenched jaw, grinding teeth

Possible Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Persistent worry and fear
Apprehension and uneasiness
Avoidance of others
Feeling sad
Lack of interest or pleasure in activities
Significant weight change or changes in appetite
Problems sleeping
Slow or fidgety body movements
Low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Substance misuse
Unexplained changes in physical appearance or behavior

References

Schneiderman, Neil; Ironson, Gail; Siegel, Scott D. (1 January 2005). “;STRESS AND HEALTH: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants“;. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.

Schneiderman N.; Ironson G.; Siegel S. D. (2005). “;Stress and health: psychological, behavioral, and biological determinants“;. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 1 (1): 607–628.

What I Offer

Payment Options

Self-Pay

I do offer a self-pay option to clients who prefer that a diagnosis not be assigned (diagnoses are required by insurance companies). You also may prefer to just have more privacy and control over your medical records. I’m here to meet you where you are so that you can have autonomy in deciding the course for the obstacles that you may be facing. Self-pay is one of the many options you have for accomplishing your goals.

Sliding Scales

Sliding scales are reserved for clients who have no insurance. Sliding scales are also based on availability and financial need. Please contact me to determine eligibility.

Insurance Companies

I am currently credentialed with the following companies and there may be more added as needed. Please verify provider network participation and insurance coverage prior to initial visit. I cannot guarantee participation or coverage.

Others

Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, BlueCross and BlueShield, Cigna, Magellan, Multiplan, Tricare, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health, Optum, - I am also a Care Management Organization Provider (Caresource). Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa.