(NBC 26) -- With the statewide Safer at Home order lasting until May 26, some might feel uneasy knowing they're asked to stay home for longer.
For many, the last several weeks have come with a lot of new adjustments from work-life to personal-life. Catherine Langdon, a ThedaCare Behavioral Health Mental Health Clinician said we shouldn't treat this time like it's normal because it isn't.
"It's hard because our entire routine has changed and any change causes stress in general," said Langdon. "But when we're dealing with something as serious as a pandemic and don't really have any structure set aside for this, we have to learn how to adapt, and that can cause some growing pains."
Langdon added that it's important to acknowledge things are different, how they are different, and how we can get used to a new normal by changing things in our lives, structure, and what we do. She said one way to do that is by maintaining a routine. For example, waking up at the same time each day, eat meals regularly, and be flexible.
When it comes to working from home, Langdon said to try to set up an at-home work station to make sure all your work material is together
"If you can't have your work station set up permanently because you need a multi-use space, then make sure that you can have the time to set it up and take it down to get you into that work mode and home mode," added Langdon.
She said there can be a lot of challenges, but that people should recognize those challenges and see what they can do to be creative and adapt to it. She also explained having a positive outlook means acknowledging how you're feeling and coping with it.
"Whether you're anxious or angry, scared, dealing with uncertainty, acknowledge that first, remind yourself that it's okay to feel that way, and then focus on what you can control and what you do know," added Langdon.
She said one thing we do know right now is that, at this time, we will be dealing with the current circumstances until May 26. She said things people have control over include their routines, what they make for food, and the attitude they have each day. She added that self care can be very helpful right now, even if it's just watching a TV show, playing a game, or just sitting in silence.
To help people through this time, ThedaCare Behavioral Health is offering telehealth for counseling, psychiatry, and substance use treatment. This includes telephone or video sessions. For more information, call 920-720-2300.
