Coping with COVID-19: Mental Health Insights from Dr. Brian Fallon
Avoid focusing too much on your bodily symptoms. Obviously, you need to pay attention if you have a fever and a dry cough or trouble breathing, and you should definitely call your healthcare provider in that circumstance. But remember that unexplained bodily symptoms are very, very common.
Imagine facing a global pandemic and the psychological toll it takes on everyone. In this episode of 'Shrink Speak', Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman sits down with Dr. Brian Fallon, Director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University, to dive into the mental health impacts of COVID-19. Dr. Fallon brings his expertise in the central nervous system's response to infectious diseases to the table, offering a unique perspective on how the pandemic has affected our minds.
The conversation doesn't just stop at identifying problems; it extends to practical coping strategies like cognitive reframing, steering clear of excessive focus on bodily symptoms, and making the most of telemedicine and telepsychiatry. Resilience, both personal and institutional, is a key theme, emphasizing the need for better preparation for future crises. Whether you're feeling the strain yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help navigate these challenging times.