Providing Resources That Promote Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19
This Einstein SHOUTout! recognizes the comprehensive efforts of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in assembling a broad array of resources and strategies aimed at sustaining the emotional health of our Einstein and Montefiore community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their online resource hub—the Montefiore Einstein Virtual Support Center—was designed with assistance from Einstein’s web team, and offers helpful information for the general public as well.
The Montefiore-Einstein Virtual Support Center offers a broad array of resources and strategies, as well as a weekly blog, all aimed at aiding individuals in maintaining their emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the acute and massive surge of COVID-19 infection in the New York City area has fortunately subsided, the impact of the pandemic on emotional health and its far-reaching consequences continue to be felt by many members of our community,” noted Jonathan Alpert, M.D., professor and chair of the department, in an e-blast to the Einstein community that introduced the site.
“We undertook this initiative to help ease the burden of ongoing stress connected with COVID-19 and to help build resiliency,” added Lisa Hutchison, M.D., who serves as editor-in-chief of the site and its weekly blog. Visitors to the site, which is also co-edited by psychologists Simon Rego, Psy.D., and Sandra Pimentel, Ph.D., can find insights on coping with stress across multiple dimensions.
The Virtual Support Center can be accessed from Einstein’s COVID-19-dedicated site or from the psychiatry and behavioral sciences website. It features curated, regularly updated articles, videos, apps, and websites on various topics that are geared to specific audiences. These include Wellness & Self-Care, Emotional Health & Coping, Healthcare Workers, Families & Children, Minorities, and Einstein/Montefiore Associates. Free yoga, meditation classes, and virtual creative arts therapy sessions are also accessible from the site.
“We’re little more than halfway through 2020, and yet it seems that we’ve experienced enough stress and heartbreak for a lifetime,” observed Dr. Hutchison. “Facing difficulties across so many domains taxes our emotional strength but coping strategies can help maintain a sense of balance. No one should go through this alone and this site allows us to reach out virtually to those we can’t reach in person.”
“By using the resources provided, we hope that anyone seeking support and guidance during these challenging times can find a starting point that’s most appropriate for them,” added Dr. Alpert.
Posted on: Friday, July 31, 2020