The current financial crisis due to COVID-19 has left many people unemployed, feeling frustrated and helpless in a time of extreme vulnerability. 23ABC is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses rebound. 23ABC's Daniela Garrido spoke with a local psychiatrist on how you can manage your emotions during the state's transition.
During Monday's press conference, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Phase Three will begin by the end of this week. It was only Friday that Phase Two began. According to a local psychologist, processing quick changes can be harder for some more than others.
"Individuals are really concerned on what their new life, new normal will look like and being educated enough to say what you can and cannot do and what that looks like and being able to have access to do those things is the biggest fear at this point," explained local clinical psychologist Dr. Norman Dwight Jr.
During his therapy sessions with both adult and children patients, Dwight has noticed different spectrums of fear in going back to normal. He says adults are mostly concerned they won't get back the lifestyle they once had of social gatherings, a steady income, and health security.
"Before maybe you had access to a lot of jobs and things you can do and with the cutbacks and things like that you may not have those things."
On the other hand, kids remain optimistic returning to school will solve most of their problems.
"Most of them express a lack of freedom, lockdown, suspension or being grounded. That's how they feel."
Dwight said it's a difficult spot for parents who also don't know what life will look like for their kids after this.
"I'm curious and interested to see how the mindset of the young ones changes when they get out and see that they can't sit next to their best friend anymore or the playtime is structured differently"
If you or your kids are struggling to manage your thoughts and emotions during this time finding time to monitor your sleep, eat a balanced diet, engage in healthy interactions, and consistent exercise can help.
"Think about this on a scale from 0 to 10: how intense is the emotion? Once we get to 6 and above the thought process takes a back seat and emotion take over. If we can find a way to break that chain and be able to break those thoughts and block those emotions, you can have better success."
