The focus on physical health during the pandemic has and continues to be essential. At the same time, it’s important to take care of your mental health, both during this unusual time and afterward.

“We are aiming too low if we’re thinking, ‘How can we get through this?’” says psychologist Dr. Dean Given, co-director of Santa Barbara Behavioral Health. “We want to shoot higher than survival to pursue building our resilience – preparing us for the future challenges in our life that will come.”

Here are some ways to not only cope but to thrive as you encounter the stresses that come with COVID-19.

Acknowledge anxiety

If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, or scared, start by accepting your feelings, says psychotherapist Robert Bannister.

“In this sense, acceptance doesn’t mean that we like or approve of something,” he says. “It’s not something we’re happy about. It does mean that we’re not in denial of reality.”

Psychiatrist Dr. Eli Katz recommends doing activities you’ve wanted to do for a while:

» Clean out your garage, home office or closet.

» Video chat with loved ones or old friends.

» Take walks, ride bikes, or do online workouts.

» Don’t watch too much news, instead watch lighthearted shows.

» Learn a new skill, such as a language or how to take better photos.

“Look at the glass as half full, not half empty,” Katz says. “Things may be bad, but they could be worse, and it will get better. Educate yourself about the history of pandemics — every one of them ends. The disease runs its course, treatments get better, and vaccines get developed.”

If you have clinical depression that affects your ability to function, reach out to a medical professional.

Reduce family tension

Now that you may be constantly around family members, schedule time for solo activities, psychologist Dr. Alyson Huneycutt says.

“Having a designated night to engage in independent activities such as playing with toys, coloring, reading, crafting, listening to audio books or music with headphones, meditation, or exercise can provide a bit more alone time in the week,” she says.

When your kids are sad or have questions, ask them to share their feelings, Dr. Huneycutt says. Talk about people who are helping, rather than about deaths or economic problems.

You don’t need to bring up issues that aren’t bothering your kids, Dr. Given says.

“If Mom and Dad are OK, the kids are going to be OK,” Dr. Given says. “Kids take their lead on how safe they are with how secure parents seem to be.”

Get professional help

You don’t need to leave the house to speak to a therapist. Telehealth has been around for decades, and research shows it is as effective as in-person therapy, Dr. Given says.

Several patients are requesting telehealth access after we are free to meet in person.

“My patients and I are very excited about our virtual meetings,” psychiatrist Dr. Sofia Encarnacion says. “We are grateful that we are able to meet during these extraordinary circumstances. They express their feelings, worries, concerns, frustrations, limitations, blessings, and coping skills.”

A therapist can help you find the path that is right for you.

“Every individual has different needs that may necessitate custom solutions,” psychiatrist Michael Bolton says.

Santa Barbara Behavioral Health is accepting new patients and offers Telehealth for psychiatry, psychology, and therapy services.

Care is covered by insurance, and appointments are available within days or weeks, including on evenings and weekends.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit SBBH.net.