Coping during COVID-19 and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed nearly every aspect of daily living for most of us. We all react to change and stress differently. Fear and anxiety about the disease itself in the present can be overwhelming for some while uncertainty of the future is of greater concern to others.

To help members navigate the uncharted waters of these times, HQ ARPC leadership teamed up with Chaplain Justin Combs, 566th Intelligence Squadron, to present a virtual coping course, which was held Friday, April 17th. Team members had the option to use video or audio to call in, connect with one another, and learn more about coping in all types of stressful situations - not just COVID-19.

Ch. Combs guided the conversation, defining what it means to cope. He also described some distress signs so attendees know what to look for in themselves and in others. Those are listed at the end of this article along with multiple ways to manage stress, depending on your personal preferences.

Throughout the event, members shared their personal experiences of times when they felt overwhelmed. After all, the current global pandemic is not the first time—nor will it be the last—any of us experienced life events we had to find ways to cope with and get through.

Chief Master Sgt. Billie Baber, HQ ARPC command chief, and Senior Master Sgt. Tony Peel, HQ ARPC first sergeant, were able to provide coping techniques based on real-world experiences using specific scenarios and examples. They discussed how successful coping methods during deployments and other high-stress operations can also be used during our current COVID environment.

“Everyone is being affected by this,” said Peel. “Although it’s tough for all of us, consider how our deployed wingmen are getting through this. I place myself in their shoes and wonder what I would do. How would I feel if this worldwide event was delaying my return to my family? I’ve learned to cope with these sorts of events by focusing my energy on what I can control and handling everything else in small, manageable bites.”

While coping seems like an activity we do solely for ourselves, it isn’t just an inward activity.

“One of the best ways to get through our current situation is to encourage others,” said Baber. “I like to call encouragement the gift that keeps on giving, because encouragement not only builds up those around you, it lifts you up as well.”

Another outward coping mechanism, shared by the chaplain, is gratitude.

“I like to take this a step further,” said Baber. “Don’t only be grateful for the amazing things in your life, be grateful for all the amazing things you bring into the lives of others."

The collaborative environment empowered attendees to share their own ways of coping with stressful situations. All in all, it’s important for everyone to know themselves and know their triggers so they can plan, prepare and cope with stressful situations. Everyone has a unique response to stress; there is no “one size fits all” solution to managing it. 

A few signs of distress are:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Body aches
- Insomnia
- Frequent colds and infections
- Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
- Changes in appetite (over/under-eating)
- Avoiding others
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
- Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and    moody
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you’re losing control
- Having difficulty relaxing/quieting your mind
- Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem),
- Feeling lonely, worthless and/or depressed
- Constantly worrying