These are stressful times for everyone. Here are some simple ways to soothe anxiety, and if you need immediate counseling, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which offers a 24/7, 365 free counseling hotline: 1-800-985-5990.
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This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update, tips for how to cope with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and other pandemic-related mental health issues, an update on Oregon's wildfires, and resources for how to help in the community.
If you have questions or need Covid-19-related assistance, please reach out to covid19@nevehshalom.org. CNSCOS serves not just the Neveh Shalom community but also the Jewish communities of Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.
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As of September 21, Oregon has reached 30,995 total Covid-19 cases and a death toll of 529. |
- The number of new cases over the past week was 1,511 - an increase from the previous week’s 1,249.
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OHA released the latest Covid-19 modeling report on September 18. The current rate of transmission is continuing a downward trend that began in mid-July. The model predicts how much the virus will spread in October, but the results should be interpreted with caution given recent reductions in testing due to wildfires..
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On September 16, Governor Kate Brown announced that Oregon is joining the Western States Pact in testing Covid-19 exposure notification technology. The pilot project will test the Exposure Notification Express mobile application developed by Google and Apple. For those who voluntarily choose to use the exposure notification technology, the app confidentially notifies individuals who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.
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Inverse.com — an online magazine covering science, tech, and entertainment — is taking Covid-19 questions from readers and answering those questions with reporting and information from health experts.
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Here’s a rundown on the confusion around social distancing, such as: Do you have to social distance outside?
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Coping with loneliness, anxiety, stress |
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Living with ongoing uncertainty is a challenge for many of us during the pandemic. Science writer Tara Haelle interviewed multiple psychologists to share tips for facing the “new normal” of unpredictability. Here are a few:
- Accept that life is different now
- Expect less from yourself
- Look for activities, new and old, that continue to fulfill you
- Focus on maintaining and strengthening important relationships
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Holocaust survivor and psychologist Dr. Edith Eger shares advice on surviving through uncertain times. Here are her 5 tips:
- Live in the present, remember the past
- We can’t change the external environment, but we can change our internal one
- Self love is self care
- Look for the gift in everything
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Health writer Wendy Hauff provides insight on combating loneliness. Although the article is aimed at retirees in Canada, these tips can be applied to anyone feeling especially lonely right now. Her recommendations include:
- Enlist expert help
- Stick to a routine
- Get moving
- Connect via technology
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Doctors from University of California, San Francisco provide numerous ways to care for your emotional well-being during Covid-19. Here are just a few:
- Limit media to reduce anxiety
- Find new ways of expressing kindness, compassion, and patience
- Reduce stress arousal through breathing practices
- Maintain good sleep by keeping a regular sleep schedule
- Maintain physical activity
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Cool weather and recent rains have helped firefighters make progress to contain wildfires across Oregon. While air quality has improved across most of the state, burns continue. The five most widespread fires range from 10% to 38% contained as of Sunday September 20.
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If you experienced uninsured losses from wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion Counties, you may qualify for federal disaster relief funds. Apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
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Wildfires have displaced thousands of Oregonians this past week. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is collecting donations for wildfire relief funds.
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Since the pandemic started, food insecurity in Oregon has doubled and there is an increased need for emergency food assistance. To get involved with Hunger Action Month this September, you can volunteer or donate to aid local food organizations.
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We want to know how to best serve you. What questions do you have about Covid-19? What are your biggest concerns? What kind of resources are you looking for? |
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