Direct Line

Regina Fivella, Director, Fleet and Family Support Center

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, learn, work and interact. We all have work to do as we transition out of lockdown and return to interacting in physical proximity to coworkers and reconnecting with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Many of us will face recovery not just psychological trauma of having lived under chronic uncertainty, isolation, financial insecurity, job loss, and for some, the death of friends or family. Some of us will not feel safe reintegrating back into our community, and yet we will be required to do so to support ourselves and the mission.

Whether your fears involve going back to work in an office, readjusting to a faster pace after months of slowing down, or concerns about your health, anxiety around the idea of the lockdown being lifted is normal. In addition to the anxiety some may be experiencing negative emotions regarding the unrest back home that has now spread throughout the globe.

If you find yourself focusing on the worst possible outcomes, it is absolutely necessary to take a break and address those thoughts before they spiral, which can cause you unnecessary stress. First, acknowledge how you’re feeling. Then, take time to consider what specifically is worrying you and what’s triggering your anxiety. Once you know what that is, you can either adjust or adapt. You may not be able to control what’s going on around you, but you can decide how you are going to experience it.

I recommend finding healthy activities which provide you stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation. This can be something you can control,even if it’s a few minutes out of your day. Make an appointment with yourself and schedule personal time for a hobby, a book, or meditation. Regular exercise, rest, and eating healthy will provide you with the endurance necessary to get through it. Verbalizing your thoughts can also help to build your confidence and give you back a sense of control when everything else may seem chaotic. Take good care of yourself first, and you will have more to give to others.

The Fleet and Family Support Center‘s doors are always open to provide you the resources on how to manage your emotional health. Our counselors and specialists are here to help. Sometimes, talking through your thoughts aloud with someone can be a great way of understanding where your concerns originated, and how you might be able to address them.

• If you need to speak with someone from the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, they can be reached 24/7 at 335-642-8312 or 335-606-6146.

• We also have a financial counselor who can help you get back on your feet by building a budget or provide you with tips on what you can do with the money you saved due to the lockdown.

• For those who are transitioning out of the military and spouses who are seeking employment, our TAP and Employment Specialist can walk you through the process of developing your transition plan and how to format your resume.

• For those who arrived in Sigonella just before the lockdown, be sure to reach out to our Relocation Specialist or take one of his classes to gain an understanding of the Italian language and culture.

It is common to feel stressed or anxious during difficult life events. Anxiety is normal, especially after having lived through months of deep and sudden change. Recognizing how you feel can help you care for yourself, manage your stress and cope with challenging situations. Take things slow and be patient with yourself. If you find you need a little help, we will be here when you are ready.

We are located on the first floor of bldg. 319 on NAS 1 and can be reached at 095-56-4291 or via email at sign9.ffsc@eu.navy.mil. You can also follow us on our Facebook Page www.facebook. com/ffscsigonella where we post information about our programs and services, tips, tools and helpful resources.

You are not alone; we are in this together. Stay strong, Sigonella!