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“If your stress is persistent and is interfering with
specific areas of your life … that’s the time to reach
out for help.”
— Sue Budz, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C of Berkshire Stress Management
halt, isolated us, required us to trust institutions
for guidance on what to do, and to trust others to
do ‘the right thing.’ Suddenly, we had to distance
ourselves from the very people we loved and
appreciated the most. Here we are, two-plus years
after the virus first settled in, and there’s still a
very pervasive sense of uncertainty and mistrust.”
While Budz is also a proponent of being
mindful of when and how you experience stress,
she reminds us to stay aware of when you need
additional help.
“If your stress is persistent and is interfering
with specific areas of life such as work, sleep,
relationships, or your health—when you’re feeling
like those things are out of rhythm, that’s the time
to reach out for help,” she says.
As for where to turn, she advises contacting
your primary care provider or health insurance
company for suggestions on therapists. “You also
want to ask if your workplace offers an Employee
Assistance Program. These programs are designed
to help employees resolve personal problems that
may impact their work performance, health, and
overall well-being—often with free and confidential
assessments, short-term counseling, and referrals.”
She notes, “Sometimes it can take a while to find
the right person, so don’t get discouraged. The goal
is to find someone with whom the conversation
flows naturally and who makes you feel heard
and respected. They’re out there.”+
Help is at hand
MENTAL
HEALTH
There are a number of apps specifically designed to
help with stress management. Many include techniques
and recommended strategies for stress management
including deep breathing practices, mindfulness
meditation, and tips for stopping negative thinking.
Used on their own or as an add-on to therapy, apps
like the ones listed below, provide a no-appointmentnecessary option for helping you manage your stress on
the go.
Happify.com
Available in free and paid
version
Headspace
Free 10-day trial
Mood Gym
Free
SuperBetter
Free
Woebot
Free
For more options, visit Psyberguide.org
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