Stress in the Time of COVID

David Langham, a Florida workers’ comp judge, and a prolific blogger on workers’ comp issues, has a thoughtful column on the impact that stress from the Coronavirus pandemic may be having on those of us in the workers’ compensation field.

In the midst of the COVID-19, as the OJCC strove recently to adapt and adjust to the reality of school and business interruption, I received a frantic communication from an attorney. The message, essentially, was a plea for advice regarding fear of the COVID-19, a desire to postpone a hearing, and a fear of appearing in-person during this time. It ended with a “what do I do?” I was inclined to email back the Rule 60Q6.115(1) language I so often do (“any request for an order or for other relief shall be by motion”). But, I paused.

This attorney already knew that. The issue was not of intellect, but of emotion. The situation was apparently overwhelming and thus impeding analysis, and the attorney chose to contact me. It was not a time to quote rules, but to facilitate a reduction in stress. When we are stressed, we are seldom at our best. As Judge Smails reminds us above, it is easy to be our best when the skies are clear and the sailing is smooth.

Stress can have physical causes and effects. The human body is an incredible machine that runs on a variety of systems and processes. The manner in which stress may stimulate or suppress those systems’ normal function is not entirely clear. But, there is belief that stress has an impact. The effects may include anger, anxiety, weariness, doubt, and more. Demonstrably, there may be physical effects.

Judge Langham offers some practical suggestions for those experiencing such stress.

I am not a licensed therapist or professional (if you are suffering anxiety, depression, malaise, or otherwise, seek direct help; some resources in that regard are offered free by PsychGuides.com). I can, however, offer some free advice for the coming weeks. I have either found each of these to have value to myself, or have been told of their value by others in whom I trust:

(1) Exercise. No one wants to hear that. We all hate it, except for those super-fit (do they really need it? they are already picture-perfect). But, it is not about how you look (sorry Fernando), it is about how you feel. Getting even a short walk or jog can do wonders for your stress. I know one person that walks in the kitchen to avoid weather and risk. No treadmill, no membership, just walks in circles and thrives on it.

Read the whole thing.