Connection and Coping during Challenging Times

To put it simply: things are hard right now. You might be worried about your health and your loved ones’ health. You might be grieving a loss. You might be grieving a lot of things. You might be out of a job and scared about finding the money for food or rent. You might be struggling with anxiety and depression. You might be overwhelmed. As we all grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we need to maintain physical distance from others—and we also need community, connection, and coping skills now more than ever. 

This is especially true for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.

“Isolation is one of the hallmarks of sexual violence,” says Gina Scaramella, BARCC’s executive director. “Being connected to others is a key part of regaining a sense of safety in the world. ‘Social distancing’ can make this challenging.” 

Challenging—but by no means impossible! BARCC knows this firsthand from running a hotline for the past 47 years. 

So what can we all do right now? 

• Reach out to each other and to the survivors in your lives. Let them know you’re there for them and offer ways to connect virtually. Whether it’s a Zoom get-together, Google Hangout, or FaceTime call (while you’re both on a solo walk outside even, a FaceWalk if you will), a Netflix watch party, a dance session over video chat, a phone call, a text chain, etc. As people have been saying: let’s call it physical distancing, and look for ways to cultivate social connection.
• Try to keep a consistent schedule—and also leave space to change your daily activities and your expectations of yourself. What we are all facing and dealing with right now is not normal, and we don’t have to pretend that it is. 
• Recognize that whatever you’re feeling is normal. Whether you’re anxious, stressed out, lonely, numb, etc. Living our lives during a global pandemic is not normal. However, what you’re feeling in response to it is. 
• Share your current or new resources for self-care. Maybe it’s free meditations and breathing exercises online, an app to help you get grounded, a free virtual yoga class, new recipes, a silly meme that makes you laugh—or anything that nurtures you. If it makes you feel good or balanced or centered, maybe it will do the same for someone you love or a Facebook friend who needs it.  
• Practice gratitude. Studies show that focusing on things you’re grateful for can improve your mental health and even physical health. If you're interested (and you don't have to be!), you could start by taking time each day to say out loud three things you're grateful for.
• Pay attention to your body and mind. What do they need? Is it a break from the news, social media, or screens in general? Is it a solo walk around the block or some stretching? Have you been eating regularly and getting enough sleep? 
• When you’re not taking a break from social media, share BARCC’s information on your channels, so survivors know we’re still here for them and their loved ones. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And stay tuned for some special content this month, including the #Bark4BARCC Walk for Change dog contest as well as some BARCC-themed TikTok videos from our Youth Leadership Corps.
• Register for our Virtual Walk for Change on April 26 at barccwalk.org. You can be part of an incredible community of support and also help us fundraise for the resources survivors need day in and day out, during the pandemic and beyond.

As Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said during a recent COVID-19 press update: "Connect with others. Yes, we can connect with others. Talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling."

For survivors and their loved ones, please remember our hotline is here for you: 800-841-8371 (24-7), barcc.org/chat (9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. every day). We have staff and volunteers who are safe, healthy, and eager to take your call/chat.