Michelle Obama Shares Advice On How To Cope With ‘Anxiety, Loneliness & Fear’ During Crisis

Former First Lady Michelle Obama wanted her Instagram followers to know 'you are not alone' during the current global pandemic. She took to the social media platform with a powerful message of hope and resources on how to support communities.

michelle obamaView galleryBarack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, Sasha Obama President Barack Obama with first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia, right, and Sasha walk on the tarmac to board Air Force One at Air Station Cape Cod in Mass., . Obama is returning from vacation rested and ready for a busy fall, including pressing Congress for money to protect against the Zika virus and fending off lawmakers' attacks over the administration's $400 million "leverage" payment to Iran
Barack Obama and family return from vacation, Cape Cod, USA - 21 Aug 2016**FILE** Illinois state Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago, walks with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Malia, age 1 1/2, in Chicago on primary day in Illinois in this March 21, 2000, file photo. Obama lost to incumbent U.S. Rep Bobby Rush in the election. (AP Photo/Chicago Sun-Times, Scott Stewart, File) **CHICAGO OUT, MAGS OUT**** FILE ** In this Feb. 10, 2007 file photo, then Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. and his wife Michelle wave to the crowd after he announced his candidacy for president of the United States at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
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Michelle Obama didn’t hesitate to use her platform for good when she took to Instagram on March 22. The Former First Lady, 56, began her carousel post, which featured resources for how citizens can help their community during the Coronavirus pandemic, with a reassuring message. “These past few weeks have been scary and difficult for many of us. We just don’t have a roadmap for what we’re currently experiencing—that in and of itself can bring up feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and fear,” she said. “Not to mention the worry we feel about the health and safety of our parents, children, and loved ones and the financial security of so many families.”

Then, Mrs. Obama comforted those who read her message, saying, “Whatever you’re going through right now, I want you to know you aren’t alone. Even as we practice social distancing, this new normal is something we are figuring out together.” The Former First Lady, who has always been so incredibly open with the American public about her struggles, journey through life, and more, even got personal during her heartfelt message. “As for me, I know when I’m feeling overwhelmed that picking up the phone and calling one of my girlfriends can work wonders. I also know staying close to my community helps me to feel connected and strong.” Then, ever the resourceful leader, Mrs. Obama provided in her post “a few suggestions” to help everyone stay close to their community.

Among the string of suggestion Mrs. Obama made, some included giving working parents a respite by offering to read a story to their child as they adjusted to this new normal. Another posed by the former First Lady asked her followers to make sure they were picking up groceries for “your most at-risk and older neighbors by leaving a note on the door.” One creative solution to lessening the stress of our world’s current situation also included calling a local hospital and ordering take-out for nurses, doctors, and staff who are bravely working around the clock to ensure the health of so many struggling patients. But it was her final message that gave her followers the most comfort.

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These past few weeks have been scary and difficult for many of us. We just don’t have a roadmap for what we’re currently experiencing—that in and of itself can bring up feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and fear. Not to mention the worry we feel about the health and safety of our parents, children, and loved ones and the financial security of so many families. Whatever you’re going through right now, I want you to know you aren’t alone. Even as we practice social distancing, this new normal is something we are figuring out together. As for me, I know when I’m feeling overwhelmed that picking up the phone and calling one of my girlfriends can work wonders. I also know staying close to my community helps me to feel connected and strong. If you’re not sure what that looks like these days, I’ve offered a few suggestions to get you started. But this is by no means an exhaustive list! Add your comment below with the ways you’re showing up for your community during these tough times. And don’t forget: It’s okay to take a breath, too. Be gentle with yourself. Log off when you need to, take a break if you can, and let others know when you’d like a little help. Illustrations: @grantagold Graphics: @linseyfields

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The final image in the carousel post read, “One more thing…be gentle with yourself.” As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization continue to research day and night ways to combat and contain the spread of COVID-19, many are feeling overwhelmed. But Mrs. Obama’s inspiring, uplifting message gave her followers the hope that they needed for the day.

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