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Family Talk Blog

Digging in for the long haul

Dr. Paul | August 17, 2020 |
 

By now, it’s pretty obvious that the coronavirus is not on summer break. Indeed, in some states, infection rates have surged and even surpassed the grim days of March. We’re all feeling discouraged.

It’s created more uncertainty. Should schools open in the fall? Should states lock down, step back, or delay further opening? What will happen to small businesses? How will we manage? What should we do? What will happen to our jobs and the economy? How much and what kind of contact can we have with friends, family, and co-workers? What will tomorrow bring?

The good news for... Read More

The art of doing nothing

Dr. Paul | August 10, 2020 |
 

Joan feels like she’s running all day, every day—taking care of her 6-year-old, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning the kitchen, supervising schoolwork during school-at-home, with a never ending to-do list that stretches out as far as the eye can see. “I’m always doing something,” she sighs.

Sound familiar?

With many parents working from home and fewer opportunities to go out, our homes are needing and getting more attention. It’s amazing to me how many dishes can pile up during a work day! Our living spaces are way more lived-in than ever.

Of course it feels good to... Read More

Telemedicine has arrived

Dr. Paul | August 03, 2020 |
 

Several years ago, when I was Director of Behavioral Health at The Everett Clinic, I started a pilot project to test using “video visits” for our patients. I wanted to see how patients and providers would adapt to this technology. Using an audio-video platform, like Facetime or Skype, to conduct visits with a mental health professional isn’t new. The Veterans Administration has been using video visits for decades to reach out to veterans in rural areas. But change in health care is often slow.

Or is it?

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a rapid explosion of... Read More

Digging deep within ourselves to find strength

Dr. Paul | July 27, 2020 |
 

In the last several weeks I’ve heard from numerous people — “I feel like I’m going crazy! I just can’t stand it anymore!” The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on our mental health. Just when we hoped that our communities and our lives would open up, albeit in a reduced fashion, we hear that the infection rate is growing, not stabilizing or shrinking as we hoped. Many states and counties are returning to more restricted regulations.

It’s the uncertainty that gets to us. We don’t know what to expect. We grasp at any good news and feel discouraged when we hear bad news. One... Read More

Managing relationship stress from togetherness

Dr. Paul | July 20, 2020 |
 

During the last six months, many adults have spent an unusual amount of time with their partners. My wife and I are both working from home, when I used to go to my office in Everett. We bump into each other all day—sometimes it’s more than a bump and instead like a head-on collision.

I notice that after a while, I can get grumpy. And then, where can we go on the weekends? While stores, restaurants, parks, and beaches are slowly opening up, there is always the ever-present threat of the coronavirus. We’re fortunate that summer is here, with long, wide open sunny days offering hikes... Read More

With COVID-19, this is a once-in-a-century kind of summer

Dr. Paul | July 20, 2020 |
 

Toward the end of June, Diane and I couldn’t bear waiting one minute longer to see our grandkids in Southern California.

After much debate, we decided to drive the 1,200 miles to see our daughter and her family. The longing of grandparents to see their grandchildren can’t be underestimated. It’s a powerful force.

 Millions of grandparents around the world are feeling this ache, but are separated by long distances. We also have a daughter in New York. We wonder when we will be able to see her and her daughter, our granddaughter, again. It makes me sad.

We took three days to... Read More

Addressing anxiety as restrictions ease

Dr. Paul | June 17, 2020 |
 

As we start to slowly and methodically ease restrictions, many of us find ourselves experiencing greater anxiety. During this time, it’s important to keep ourselves well informed and practice methods to help reduce the stress and worry that can come with more freedom during COVID-19.

Q: I’m confused. Now that our state is starting to ease restrictions, I feel more anxious. Yet I see many others who act like there’s no threat at all. What gives?

Coronavirus has given us a global rollercoaster ride. While scientists are working day and night to develop an effective vaccine,... Read More

Cultivating grace, gratitude and grit

Dr. Paul | May 26, 2020 |
 

There isn’t a formula for the pandemic blues. It’s a work in progress for each of us—trying different strategies for keeping our heads above water. An effective way to keep your mind and body healthy as we adjust to a new way of living is to work hard to cultivate the three G’s—grace, gratitude, and grit.

Q: I’m struggling. Between social distancing, sheltering at home, and worry about money, I feel overwhelmed and pessimistic. What can I do?

These are trying times for kids, adults, and elders. Between fear of getting sick and a global economic downturn, it’s hard to keep... Read More

Focusing on prolonged self-care

Dr. Paul | May 19, 2020 |
 

When it comes to this pandemic, we need to prepare our minds and bodies to stay healthy for the long haul. It’s normal to experience intense emotions when we face challenges or hardships. But we must work to manage those emotions and find outlets to cope with stress during this prolonged period of upheaval.

Q: Some days I just feel overwhelmed. Yesterday, I cried for an hour and I’m not sure why. I’m working full time, my husband is furloughed, and taking care of our 11, 9, and 5-year-olds. I worry that the kids are falling behind in their on-line schooling. I’m afraid I’m drinking... Read More

Prioritizing your healthcare needs

Dr. Paul | May 12, 2020 |
 

It’s natural to worry about going out in public or interacting with others, especially for our vulnerable populations at greater risk for COVID-19. However, that does not mean you should be delaying important and timely healthcare needs. Healthcare clinics are implementing safety measures to keep us safe when we visit our providers.

Q: I’m in my 60’s, with an underlying health condition that needs regular follow-up care. I’m nervous about going to see my doctor. What are my options?

During the last two months, healthcare has been limited to patients with a suspected COVID-19... Read More

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