Coping with Stress and Anxiety in a Pandemic: A Therapist’s Guide to Mental Health and Connection

What does it take to care for your mental health during a global crisis? In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, therapist Dr. Anita Sands shares how we can protect our emotional well-being, stay connected, and even grow stronger during the challenges of COVID-19.

From simple daily habits like movement and gratitude to deeper lessons about vulnerability, honesty, and connection, Dr. Sands offers practical ways to reduce stress, prevent isolation, and nurture resilience. She also introduces the idea of post-traumatic growth—finding meaning and strength even in painful experiences.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply feeling the weight of these uncertain times, this conversation reminds us that connection creates hope and that none of us has to go through this alone.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why movement and sunlight help regulate mood during stress
• Building routines that balance structure and self-compassion
• The power of gratitude and focusing on the good
• Contributing to your community as a way to heal
• The concept of post-traumatic growth after crisis
• Deepening relationships through honest, vulnerable conversations
• How to connect meaningfully without physical closeness
• Telehealth and virtual therapy options during the pandemic
• Creative ways to stay socially engaged, like shared “watch parties”
• The importance of reaching out honestly about needs and struggles

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode
 01:34 - Therapist Dr. Anita Sands on movement and sunlight for mental health
 03:26 - How gratitude and contribution help reduce stress
 04:33 - Post-traumatic growth: finding meaning in crisis
 05:46 - Shifts in values and gratitude during COVID-19
 07:05 - More authentic and honest connections emerging
 08:25 - Vulnerability and the importance of being real with others
 09:33 - Staying socially connected without physical closeness
 10:10 - Telehealth and virtual therapy options explained
 10:46 - Creative connection: virtual watch parties and shared experiences
 11:40 - Final reflections: resilience, honesty, and reaching out for support
 12:58 - Closing thoughts: connection as the new normal

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