Producer: Minnesota Psychological Association
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:
Intermediate: Assumes post-doctoral education status and general familiarity with topic.
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor live continuing education for psychologists. The Vermont Psychological Association maintains responsibility for its programs and their content.
Completion of this course earns 2 continuing education credits. Psychologists licensed in states whose licensing board approves continuing education offered by APA-approved sponsors may earn continuing education credits for this course.
Courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved for continuing education for psychologists by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. This course qualifies for 2 continuing education credits.
Continuing education courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for continuing education credit for licensed independent clinical social workers in Vermont. This course provides 2 CE credits for Vermont licensing.
This course has been approved for continuing education credit by the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health and earns 2 continuing education credits.
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. These credits are also accepted by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice for clinical social workers licensed in New Hampshire, as provided in Mhp 402.02(b)(1). The course qualifies for 2 continuing education credits.
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. These credits are also accepted by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice for clinical mental health counselors licensed in New Hampshire, as provided in Mhp 402.02(b)(1). The course qualifies for mandated credit types as follows:
Ethics:
Suicide Prevention:
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved to offer continuing education to licensed clinical social workers by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, and is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education to psychologists. This course thus qualifies for 2.4 continuing education credits for Massachusetts licensed clinical social workers in Massachusetts under 258 C.M.R. §§ 31.04(2)(d), 31.04(5).
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved to offer continuing education to licensed clinical social workers by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, and is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education to psychologists. This course thus qualifies for 2.4 continuing education credits for Massachusetts licensed certified social workers in Massachusetts under 258 C.M.R. §§ 31.04(2)(d), 31.04(5).
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association as a continuing education sponsor for psychologists. Continuing education credit in the amount of 2 credits earned in this course may be accepted by the Connecticut Department of Public Health for licensed clinical social workers under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 20-195o(c)-3.
This course is pre-approved for credit for Connecticut licensed professional counselors under Conn. Agencies Regs § 20-195cc-3(a)(1). This course qualifies for 2 continuing education credits.
Slideshow Notice: Please note: The Speaker's slide show presentation is not available for download. |
Stress and Anxiety During Uncertain Times: COVID-19 and Climate Change as Opportunities for Effective Coping (1.43 MB) | Available after Purchase |
Dr. Kristi White is a clinical health psychologist practicing in primary care at Hennepin Healthcare. She specializes in health psychology and behavioral medicine with clinical expertise in stress-related and inflammatory diseases, diabetes, obesity, and health disparities. Dr. White also has a strong interest in the overlap between health psychology, behavioral medicine, and environmental sustainability. Specifically, her interests are focused on environmental justice, the stress-reducing and health promoting effects of restorative natural environments, the role of environmental sustainability in human well-being, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment. She is currently the Programs and Education Chair of Hennepin Healthcare’s Sustainability Committee. Dr. White also has a passion for improving health equity and reducing health disparities in the state of Minnesota. Overall, Dr. White hopes to dedicate her career to helping patients, communities, and environments thrive by dismantling systemic inequities and by being a responsible steward for current and future generations.
The speaker has indicated they do not have any conflicts of interest.
Describe the connections between COVID-19 and climate change.
Recognize the disparities experienced by marginalized groups that are exacerbated by COVID-19 and climate change.
List practical steps for one's own self-care and clinical practice to better manage stress and anxiety during times of uncertainty.