Stress and Anxiety During Uncertain Times: COVID-19 and Climate Change as Opportunities for Effective Coping

Note: If you attended this session live during the April 24, 2020 Virtual Conference and received credit, you cannot attend the on demand session for additional credit.

Stress and anxiety are common during times of uncertainty. Whether it is a significant life event, a medical diagnosis, a trauma, or a tragic loss, unexpected stressors can elicit a variety of emotional and behavioral responses. Often, stress and anxiety reactions can be helpful, particularly if they mobilize meaningful action and adaptive coping responses. However, if left unchecked, stress and anxiety can quickly spiral into panic, immobilization, impulsivity, and fear reactivity. Additionally, stress and anxiety can be particularly challenging during times of uncertainty for marginalized groups who already experience worse physical and mental health outcomes than their more privileged counterparts due to systemic factors such as racism, discrimination, and inequitable access to resources. This presentation will highlight the concurrent stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic and global climate change as opportunities to cope effectively with uncertainty including attending to the unique challenges faced by oppressed groups. Upon completion of this presentation, attendees will be able to describe the connections between COVID-19 and climate change, will be able to recognize the health disparities that are exacerbated by these crises, and will be able to list practical steps they can take for their own self-care and clinical practice to better manage stress and anxiety during times of uncertainty.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the connections between COVID-19 and climate change.
2. Recognize the disparities experienced by marginalized groups that are exacerbated by COVID-19 and climate change.
3. List practical steps for one's own self-care and clinical practice to better manage stress and anxiety during times of uncertainty.

Intermediate: Assumes post-doctoral education status and general familiarity with topic.