Stress during the coronavirus pandemic is at an all-time high. A recent study conducted by the Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression.

In response to this alarming picture of the psychological toll caused by COVID-19, and in an effort to assist the emotional well-being of patients, employees and community members, Sansum Clinic this month launched an 11-episode stress management video series on YouTube with family medicine physician Jay Winner.

“It is imperative that we address how stress from the global pandemic is impacting our emotional and physical health,” said Dr. Winner. “My hope is that this series gives people real tools to help them better manage stress now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the future.”

Each episode of the series examines a different aspect of stress and how it can be reduced. Dr. Winner explains the causes of stress, and how practices such as mindfulness, meditation, reframing your perspective and the management of difficult emotions can all lower the angst and distress felt by so many.

Learning a variety of skills to effectively deal with stress is important for improving one’s health, relationships, and performance at work and school, Dr. Winner said.

A physician with Sansum Clinic for nearly 30 years, Dr. Winner founded the clinic’s stress reduction program in 1992 and authored the book “Relaxation on the Run.” He has taught stress reduction techniques to a variety of groups, including health professionals, for many years. His website stressremedy.com is a resource for patients and for anyone battling the negative health effects of stress.

To view the stress management series on Sansum Clinic’s YouTube channel, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNFQvgd3RVc&list=PLsLuG3b09LDCnEAMxB28SxF5zGsOlfieU.

For more about Sansum Clinic, visit www.sansumclinic.org.