Fear of contagion, economic catastrophe, fear of the unknown, and isolation. These are just some roots of the anxiety preoccupying us all in this new COVID-19 “normal.”
Addressing these critical issues, Sechelt Hospital Foundation kicked off its MedTalks LIVE series on April 7 with a panel discussion about “COVID-19 Anxiety.” It is the first in a series of ongoing online talks about “cultivating our collective resilience” in the face of COVID-19. The free panel discussions are led by three Sunshine Coast-based health-care professionals, and stream live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. for the foreseeable future.
The team of experts includes integrative medical physician and mindfulness expert Dr. Rahul Gupta; Dr. Lisa Kitt, registered psychologist specializing in traumatic stress; and Dr. Marius Welgemoed, Vancouver Coastal Health medical lead for mental health and substance use services on the Coast.
During the first talk aimed at coping with anxiety, the panel explored themes including the power of connection, “being with” emotions, and reaching out to those most isolated. Limiting social media was also discussed as a tool to manage stress.
The panel members put together a list of helpful resources for those struggling with anxiety; see www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org/live
The second talk was hosted on Tuesday, April 14, Managing COVID Emotions, and the third session will be hosted on Tuesday, April 21 at 2 p.m., “COVID Sadness and Grief.” Watch all upcoming and past MedTalks LIVE on the Sechelt Hospital Foundation’s website at www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org/upcoming-medtalks
MedTalks LIVE are co-sponsored by the Sechelt Hospital Foundation and Sunshine Coast Credit Union. Vissare Media and Piros Productions provide in-kind contributions that make these talks happen. If you have a topic you would like to hear discussed, please contact Sh.foundation@vch.ca
– Submitted by Angelina Theilmann, Sechelt Hospital Foundation
