The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) has offered people struggling to cope with the effects of the national lockdown to seek professional advice on how to cope without turning to drugs.
In a press statement offering advice to Barbadians, NCSA recommended that people seek to have a thorough professional assessment of their situation before turning to old habits as a means of coping.
And those who are not willing to seek such help but turn to these habits to relax or unwind, are being urged to engage in a form of exercise whether in or outdoors, as exercise has been proven to release endorphins into the brain creating natural happy feelings.
NSCA said: “Meditation is another approach that you can take to relax and you can also find some of these routines on YouTube. If this isn’t for you, then reading a good book is another option. If you don’t like to read, you can listen to audiobooks.
“If you can, take a long bath. By this I am referring to soaking your body in a tub filled with water. You can have a candlelight bath using bath oils or bathing salts while listening to music or you can simply soak in the water.”
NCSA has also advised people to listen to music, including their favourite CDs, cassette tapes, iPods, on mobile phones and online, in addition to tapping into opportunities to create their own music.
“And finally, be creative. Here you can get involved in building things out of wood and you can get involved in the arts and crafts. Just enjoy the process rather than trying to be perfect at it,” the NCSA said, also indicating that if the tips are not helpful, the NCSA offers professional assistance.
The NCSA said it can be reached at 239-0584 or 230-1250 for counselling support, or 234-7115 for accounting queries. For administration of general assistance, the numbers are 239-0608 or 233-0561.
NCSA has also reminded the public to observe all COVID protocols and remain safe.
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