Tavia McNair Cavett, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., CEAP, Director of Mississippi Baptist Health System's Employee Assistance Program, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the club's April 28, 2020 meeting. The subject of her presentation was the impact of the current COVID-19 on people's mental state and how to lessen its impact on them.
She started by saying that the pandemic is causing Stress on people. Why? They have grief, fear, financial uncertainty, they are required to shelter in place, and they have excessive fatigue. This stress can cause vicarious trauma; i.e, taking on someone else's stress.
Her bottom line was some tips for coping with the current situation: that people need to remain active, get plenty of rest, exercise reasonably, maintain a consistent routine, eat healthily, avoid overdependence on their electronic devices, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and excessive smoking. They should cry when they feel like crying, laugh (laughter is the best medicine), watch and movies.
We sincerely appreciate Ms. Cavett's time, the points raised in her presentation, and her service to her Baptist Health System Colleagues.