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Welcome to the Temple of Geek Podcast. The Temple of Geek podcast has been around since 2012 and is hosted by a variety of geeky people from our team. On the Temple of Geek Podcast, we discuss and celebrate fandoms and all things geek. This week our host Monica is has a special non-geek episode. We are discussing healthy ways of coping with the quarantine. Monica is joined by a special guest Lileana B. Roque who is a social worker and therapist from Las Vegas, NV.

General disclaimer that due to the unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and the constant new information we receive every day, many of what is discussed here may change by the time you are listening.

You can listen to our podcast here on this page. Or you can stream our podcast on either Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Stitcher / iHeartRadio or Spotify

Stress and Anxiety in the time of COVID-19

There are plenty of reasons to feel anxiety, whether it’s from not knowing where your next paycheck or meal will come from, to fear of becoming sick or worrying for others. These are anxious times. 

Whenever we are dealing with unknown variables it’s important to focus on what is tangible. On the things that are actually within our control. Being proactive and having options/plans can help us feel a sense of control when we might feel helpless. 

Identify and rephrase distorted thoughts. It’s important to know the difference between the “what if’s” and “the most likely outcomes.” Understandably, it’s hard to be “positive” during difficult times. Don’t force being positivity. It’s just not practical or sustainable. What makes sense is focusing on what is factual and what is accurate. Try to avoid catastrophizing the crisis and focus more on the present, what is true, and what is most likely to actually happen. And go from there. 

Establishing a routine and having a healthy amount of options for healthy distractions is important. Completing tasks or hobbies create feelings of satisfaction. Cultivating feelings of satisfaction improve our moods and frame of mind. Even if we are still worried, our perception of things actually changes when our mood changes.

The more we can do to actively try to feel good, the better we will deal with things. Sometimes that means allowing yourself to unplug as well. Unfortunately, as grownups we tend to get so caught up with day to day life, we forget to take the time to do what we can to improve our moods.

Too Much Information

There is such a thing as too much information. When you find yourself down the Twitter black hole of information, I recommend asking yourself, what are you looking for? And what do you hope to gain from the information you’re getting? Without a specific purpose, chances are you’re just worrying yourself and hoping to read something that will make you feel better.

Given the nature of how the media is sensationalized, it’s unlikely you will find the thing you think will make you feel better. Put down the phone. Be present and explore what you can do to channel your energy in a more productive manner. 

Coping with Anger

From canceled events, canceled life plans, people hoarding, panic buying or still hitting the beaches and public places despite the Stay at Home orders throughout multiple states. There is plenty to be angry about. It seems understandable to be angry about a lot of this, but how can we deal with our anger?

Anger is a normal emotion. It becomes an issue when it impacts our functioning or behavior. It’s ok to be upset. It’s not ok to be a jerk because you’re upset.  Just like with stress/anxiety, focusing on the things that are actually within our control can help deal with anger. Being proactive and having options/plans can help us feel a sense of control when we are frustrated.

Hoarding and Panic Buying

Hoarding/panic buying I believe is rooted in fear. And unfortunately greed. When we are faced with the unknown it’s easy to panic and “prepare for the worst.” People are probably panic buying or hoarding out of fear of the “what-if’s” rather than what is factual or most likely to actually happen.

There is something primal about “essentials” that people feel like they can’t live without. I’ve spoken with some people who genuinely believe that the national guard will be on the streets in every city and they won’t be able to buy toilet paper so they have to have MORE than enough “just in case.”

Then there are others who are generally more rational but are spooked by the extremists and wind up going a little extreme themselves by buying in excess because “other people are crazy.” The fact is, there is not a shortage of supplies. There is no need to hoard supplies.

The fact is that as far as anyone can say, no one will be prevented from engaging in essential shopping or outings. So there is no need to over buy out of fear of not being able to leave your house in the future. Reasonable and practical measures should be implemented and that should provide the best chances to stay healthy. 

Loneliness and Being Alone

Some people are lucky enough to be housed and in quarantine with their loved ones. Others may be completely alone during this time. Both can bring their own set of blessings and challenges.

Lonely and alone are very different concepts. Whether we are with our families or live alone, a person can feel lonely. That works both ways. A person who lives alone could not be lonely at all. It’s important to be able to figure out what you need to be ok and allow yourself to figure out what that looks like for you. Social/physical distancing aside, when too many of our outlets depend on or require other people, we make ourselves susceptible to feeling lonely/alone. It’s important to have a combination of outlets to combat loneliness. That should include healthy distractions you can do on your own, as well as people you can reach out to when you need to communicate. This might also be an ideal time to reach out to people and catch up.

Need help? Know someone who does?

The Center for Disease Control has provided some excellent information on mental health and coping during COVID-19. Their website provides information on taking care of yourself and your community.

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others

• Call 911
• Visit the Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

Facts about COVID-19

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

About Our Guest 

In this episode, host Monica is discussing healthy ways of coping with the quarantine. Monica is joined by Clinical Therapist, Lileana B. Roque. Lileana is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. She is also the Clinical Director for a small non-profit in Las Vegas, Nevada. There she focuses on trauma counseling.

About Our Host:

Monica is the current host of the Temple of Geek Podcast. She is a cosplayer. She also dabbles cosplay photography. She can usually be found around the Southern California pop culture and comic book convention scene. You can check out some of her work here: https://templeofgeek.com/author/monica/  

Podcast Edited by Danniel Slade (@dannielslade)