BUFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — To help us navigate the challenges of coping with the numerous stresses around COVID-19, 7 Eyewitness News Anchor Ashley Rowe is taking your questions to Kate Maleski, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Explore What's Next in Buffalo, New York.
Ashley: Kate, despite efforts to ramp up the unemployment system, there are still a lot of people who have been unable to get their benefits. People are telling us they're getting really depressed and stressed about their situation. What's your advice to them?
Kate: Keep on trying. It's what you deserve. It's what you're entitled to. Get your paperwork out, put your headset on or put your phone on speaker and try to get done another task, whether it be folding the laundry or something you can do around the house. Then you feel accomplished, while waiting. Another option you can do is take a book out. I love when you can take a book out and get lost in this book. It brings you to a different place while you're still waiting and feeling frustrated.
Ashley: We've heard about the Sunday Scaries before but they look a bit different now. One viewer asks, "How can I calm the Sunday Scaries?"
Kate: Try to have a Sunday ritual, whether it be making your favorite meal, having a Sunday dance party, a movie night with the family. Something that you're looking forward to on Sunday.
Ashley: I am having a really hard time with my kid's school work. We both break down in tears. I feel like I'm a bad parent. What can I do?
Kate: First of all, you're not a bad parent. You're a wonderful parent that's trying to do a job that you have no training in - remember that. When you're getting frustrated or your child is getting frustrated with this task at hand, maybe change it. So, if you're working on math and it's so difficult, put the math aside and maybe do some physical activity. Maybe do some stretching for your PE class. Or change it to a science lesson that your child really excels in. Everything that you're doing is OK. Give yourself a break.
