Question 1

I am currently working mental health unit how to use ACT as clinicians whilst trying to support others needs?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

I'd recommend you use the steps in this booklet - for yourself and with others: https://drive.google.com/file/d/117HY4z4mY5izJpR44ejuZ8rhTyoWEGEG/view?usp=sharing

Question 2

What can be do to reduce our anxiety while being in an strict quarantine (can not leave the room even for 15 min a day) ?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

This FACE COVID booklet has some really practical steps for you: https://drive.google.com/file/d/117HY4z4mY5izJpR44ejuZ8rhTyoWEGEG/view?usp=sharing  The dropping anchor practice is very helpful; ideally do it over and over again throughout the day.

Question 3

Question 4

Do you feel as though people have a good grasp of what actually is in their control?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

I think people often ruminate and worry about things that aren't in their control; it's human nature. But most people find if they take  moment to consider, "What's in my control - and what isn't?" we can very quickly grasp what is and what isn't in our control.

Basically, what we have most control over is our actions; we have much less control over our thoughts and feelings>

And we have no control at all over other people and what happens in the world around us. 
We can of course influence other people and the world around us - but we are only able to exert that influence through our actions, through what we say and do.

Question 5

Why are people struggling so much with isolation?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Because we are social animals; connection with others is essential for health and wellbeing. So when isolated by ourselves, we experience loneliness and sadness- we are cut off from the people we care about and the social activities that matter to us.
And if we our isolated with others, the close sustained contact for prolonged periods of time without a break is something we're not used to; tempers rise, people get snappy, people annoy each other; it's difficult and stressful for even the best relationships.

Question 6

What feelings do you anticipate people struggling with during isolation?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Anxiety, sadness, loneliness, frustration, guilt, anger, fear, envy, shame. All the same feelings that people struggle with when they're not isolated. Loneliness and anxiety are especially common - normal, natural responses to these circumstances.

Question 7

Thank you so much for this resource! I'm sharing it widely among my friends and family. What step from your guide do you anticipate people struggling with the most?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

I take it you mean the FACE COVID booklet? The O - Open up- is likely to be hardest for most people. To open up and make room for difficult feelings and treat yourself compassionately is a lot easier said than done.

Question 8

What exercises do you recommend for coming back into your body?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Stretching is good. Tune into the parts of your body that are stiff and tight  and tense, and gently stretch them.
Also, changing your posture: e.g. straightening your back, dropping your shoulders.
Self-massage is another option.
And modifying your breathing - making it slower, gentler - is yet another :)

Question 9

Do you think digital spaces are more of a help or a hinderance for most people's mental health during isolation?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

it's a double-edged sword. The upside is that digital spaces can enable connection with others and participation in meaningful, life-enhancing online activities. The downside is that they can facilitate addictive behaviours, or participation in life-draining online activities. Of course, it's the same upside and downside outside of isolation :)

Question 10

What personality types do you expect to struggle most with COVID-19?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

I have to confess, I take the whole concept of 'personality type' with a grain of salt. We all have multiple personalities; just notice how you change when you're with your parents, your partner, your boss, your co-workers - or when you're going to a job interview or a first date etc.
Having said that, I'd expect introverts -(people who  tend to feel more energized by time alone)  to cope better than extroverts (people who  tend to feel more energized by interacting with others). But there would be many, many exceptions to that.

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COVID-19 anxiety: How ACT can help

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