COVID-19 Story Tip: Stressed about 'returning to normal'? Here are tips to ease into the transition
With almost half of the U.S. population vaccinated with at least one dose of the vaccine and masking restrictions easing for vaccinated people, adults as well as kids may feel anxious or stressed about “returning to normal.” Adjusting to loosened restrictions, opening of event venues, such as concerts and weddings, and returning to work, school or other activities, may be a cause of stress and anxiety.
“A common question many ask is if and when there will be a sense of normalcy,” says Neda Gould, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “While some things will seemingly return to normal, not everything will be back to how we remember it. We still need to exercise caution — for example, many adults are vaccinated, but most youths are not — and we need to find ways to adapt to this new way of living.”
People will be faced with making decisions regarding activities they feel comfortable engaging in. Understandably, many will have difficulty reintegrating into these activities and society after a year of isolation. For adults who feel anxiety, as well as their kids, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center experts offer these tips to ease the transition:
- Make a plan when you can.
- Reintegrate gradually, when possible.
- In your mind, walk through what you may expect and anticipate challenges. If you have children, walk through the process with them as well.
- Accept that you and your kids may feel a variety of emotions, and make space for them.
- Share your feelings with people in your support network, and encourage your kids to do the same either with you or with friends. Understand that you and they are not alone.
- Know that some things will be out of your control, but you will be able to handle them when they arise.
- Review how things went after a transition, to identify helpful strategies and tease out less helpful aspects. Consider this a work in process.
Johns Hopkins' full article on transitioning post COVID-19 includes additional information on how to help children adapt to this new "normal". Click here to read more.
This week's Staff Spotlight also goes to Yolanda Gamble of Permanency! The following statement was sent on behalf of Ms. Gamble by Sameidra Carter, Permanency Caseworker Supervisor:
"Yolanda recently reunified a daughter with her father and the case was transferred to Family Preservation. During the transfer meeting, Yolanda promised the new worker she would assist with disability benefits for the child. Yolanda was able to attain monthly benefits for the child. Even though when she went in to apply, the representative explained there would probably be no benefits. Yolanda asked to put in for the benefits anyway and later received a call back that the child would indeed be receiving monthly benefits in an amount more than expected.
Yolanda was very proud of herself and what she accomplished. Yolanda continues to push forward and help children even with the stress of a heavy caseload that consists of difficult circumstances. Covering Unit Manager, Timera Dennis, requested to please share with Yolanda our sincere appreciation for her hard work and service to children and families."
Keep up the great work Yolanda! Many thanks to Ms. Dennis and Ms. Carter for this submission. To nominate a staff person you admire for a future Staff Spotlight, please send an email to bcdss.communications@maryland.gov.
CJAMS Circles: Preparing a Case for C&G
Join the Office of Learning every Thursday at 1 p.m. for CJAMS Circles! The topic for this week will be "Preparing a Case for C&G". Staff will receive credit for participating in the training. Click here to register for your next session.
Maryland Department of Aging and 2-1-1 Maryland Text Alert Service for Seniors and Caregivers
 Caregivers, seniors, and vulnerable adults can now receive alerts, tips and resources right to their cell phone to help protect themselves and their loved ones from abuse and exploitation. The new text messaging platform provided by Maryland Department of Aging and 2-1-1 Maryland delivers information and resources directly to smartphone devices regarding aging and disability. Consumers can text MDAging to 898-211 to opt-in for this text messaging service.
Increased WIC Benefit for Women and Children
This summer, kids and moms will each get $35 per month in WIC benefits to buy fruits and veggies — over 3x the usual value! This change is automatic but temporary. Benefits are allocated per person, meaning both a mother and her child together would receive $70 per month to buy more fruits and vegetables. This increased amount is part of the American Rescue Plan to provide economic relief to families effected by COVID-19.
If you know an individual or family not enrolled in WIC, please encourage them to apply by visiting http://MDWIC.org. To learn more about this summer's temporary WIC increase for women and children, click here.
"Everyone has a purpose in life... a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals."
Deepak Chopra, Indian-American Author
 Brandi Stocksdale
Director
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