[WEBCAST] Coping with the Stress of COVID-19

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The coronavirus pandemic has had widespread impacts across society, and one of those impacts can be on mental health as people deal with uncertainty about the future, anxiety over the disease, and constant news about the pandemic. It can be especially difficult for those with pre-existing anxiety and mental illnesses. However, just as COVID-19 can impact anyone, mental stress has no barriers and impacts all people. Previous studies on quarantine indicate that people are likely to experience an uptick in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, especially as connectivity to support systems has been shown to be important in dealing with illnesses or crises. As working from home and social distancing become the norm, mental health professionals note that feelings of isolation and loneliness may grow. The anxiety and fear response around coronavirus can also trigger obsessive compulsive behaviors, traumatic stress, and feelings of helplessness. While some may be better equipped to manage stress, we all process stressors differently and can benefit from tips on how to protect our mental health.

Join Asia Society Texas Center for a conversation on the science behind what many may be experiencing and some suggestions for coping.

Schedule

Thursday, May 14, 2020
7:30 p.m. Moderated Discussion
8 p.m. Audience Q&A (Questions welcome via YouTube Live and Facebook Live)

About the Speaker

Dr. Lynn Bufka, PhD, is Senior Director, Practice Research and Policy, at the American Psychological Association. The Practice Research and Policy Department focuses on the development and implementation of programs and policies related to expanding opportunities for professional psychology. Current areas of emphasis are the integration of psychology in the health care delivery system, clinical practice guideline development, outcomes measurement and gathering “real world” practitioner information. Dr. Bufka is an advocate for science to support practice and practice-based evidence to inform research and policy. Dr. Bufka frequently serves as a media spokesperson for APA on these topics as well as clinical topics, stress, telepsychology and other policy matters relevant to professional practice. Prior to coming to APA, she was affiliated with Boston University and the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) (1996-2002), serving as Associate Director of the doctoral clinical training program and Director of PracticaTraining at CARD. Additionally, Dr. Bufka is a Maryland licensed psychologist and continues to provide treatment and clinical consultation on a limited basis. Dr. Bufka received her PhD in psychology from Boston University. She is a Fellow of APA’s Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology).

About the Moderator

Syeda Hasan covers mental health for KERA News. A Houston native, her journalism career has taken her to public radio newsrooms around Texas. Before joining KERA, Syeda covered development and affordability at KUT News in Austin. She also worked as a general assignment reporter for Houston Public Media. Her work has been heard nationally on shows including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, PBS Newshour, and Marketplace. She has won multiple Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association awards for her coverage of the Houston Rodeo food scene and barriers to housing for people with criminal backgrounds. Syeda got her start in public radio as an intern at KUT while earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism, with a minor in French, at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Asia Society Texas Center Business & Policy Programs, Endowed by

Huffington Foundation

Business and Policy programs at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Bank of America, Muffet Blake, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, United Airlines, and Wells Fargo. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Nancy Pollok Guinee, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as The Brown Foundation, Inc. and Houston Endowment. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in public programming.

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About Asia Society at Home

Though Asia Society is temporarily closed, we are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.