There are many emotions that we are all experiencing throughout these days of uncertainty. It’s highly likely that each of us will travel through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, as we process how our lives have forever changed. Some days the stress can feel so heavy.
It’s important to recognize and accept that this is OKAY! While our situations and personal experiences may be different, we’re all learning how to accept and cope with the changes in our lives as a result of COVID-19.
Stay Informed
We have a new page dedicated to help you stay safe and informed about the coronavirus. Recently, during their Facebook live, the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias’ Executive Director, Mary Fete, and Dr. Tim Fete shared some great information about the particular details of COVID-19. They reminded us to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day, maybe even to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Know the facts on COVID-19 and how it relates to ectodermal dysplasias. You can also learn more about taking care of your high risk loved ones.
Healthy Tips
We should all follow the recommendations we’ve heard since we were young. Maintain a balanced diet. Get plenty of exercise. Rest. Drink plenty of water. These practices are important and vital to living a healthy life both physically and emotionally.
During these stressful times, take time to enjoy your friends and family, whether that is at home or on social media. There are many options to connect with friends and family around the world.
Respond. Don’t React.
Consider these other great tips for good health:
- Maintain a routine.
- Meditate and/or pray.
- Listen to music.
- Exercise, either indoors or outdoors for at least 30 minutes each day.
- Connect with your NFED family in one of our Facebook Groups.
- Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while. (Do people still write letters?!)
- Speak with a therapist. (Therapy is a powerful tool.)
I’m also a believer that laughter is the best medicine. Spend some time laughing at funny memes or old photos and videos.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have more great ways to cope with your stress. The CDC is a credible source for you to get information not only about emotional and mental health but all things COVID-19.
Learn the Latest on COVID-19Feeling Grateful
For those of you in our community who are physical and emotional health providers, first responders, grocery store employees, or other essential workers, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping to keep the rest of us safe and healthy.
Supporting You. Supporting Each Other.
Over the next few weeks, I hope you’ll join us on social media as we have lots of fun planned. We want to hear from you and how you are doing. Tell us in the comments below how you are coping today. We’d love to hear. Don’t forget, you can call us, too, at 618-566-2020. Our staff is here to help.
I love the picture of the boy who’s drinking water his name is Sebastian 😍
🙂 Hello from the NFED… take good care of yourself and your family. We are here for you!!! Mary, NFED Executive Director