COVID-19 PTSD Is Inevitable

As COVID-19 cases begin to surge across the country, again, questions surrounding when life will truly return to normal rise along with it. And yet, our current plight is anything but a mystery. Did we really think we had this thing beat in less than four months? Was reopening such a good idea?

As New York State’s numbers, once the epicenter of the pandemic, continue to decline the only thing that everyone (well, almost everyone) can agree on is that, no matter where you are, this is still far from over. In addition to the virus itself, according to the American Psychological Association COVID-19 aggravates existing mental health problems while potentially onsetting new symptoms– symptoms that can outlast the virus.

There is a universal trauma happening.

It’s been well documented that trauma occurs from war, oppression, natural disasters, and individual experiences. The current pandemic is no different, except it is a “mass trauma” filled with “anticipatory anxiety” on a worldwide scale. Without a cure or vaccine, society collectively wonders– will it come back? Is it safe to reopen? As more people file for unemployment and businesses continue to shut their doors, physical recovery is compounded with an eye on financial recovery. These anxieties are known as “peritraumatic”, occurring around the time of trauma in the form of intrusive thoughts.

Jessica Corea, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, explained, “The world is experiencing a unifying trauma of loss and uncertainty. Patients are facing anxiety, depression, and financial stress all at the same time while trying to adapt to a new normal.” Even when the pandemic itself passes, it is sure to leave mass emotional destruction in its wake in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a classified mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Like any radical shift, the traumatic effects can go on for years.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can happen to anyone.

“Previous epidemic studies report high prevalence rates among people exposed to the trauma resulted from an infectious disease epidemic,” the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported on June 5, 2020. Just like SARS, MERS, and HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 survivors are most at risk for PTSD, followed by family members who directly witnessed a loved one suffer or die, medical workers, and the general public. Further, the psychological trauma was categorized into three groups. First, directly experiencing the symptoms. Next, witnessing those who struggled. And third, experiencing a “realistic or unrealistic fear of infection, social isolation, exclusion, and stigmatization.” Essentially, like the virus itself, everyone is at risk.

“There is now a new normal that may be with us for a long time. Just as 911 impacted our lives in many ways so has this pandemic. I would certainly call this a traumatic event that has impacted everyone,” noted Elissa Smilowitz, Director of Triage and Emergency at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center on Long Island.

Health experts across the globe are now preparing to treat patients with COVID-19 PTSD. Except the underlying issue is that PTSD symptoms don’t begin to develop until weeks or months after a traumatic event, and we are still in the middle of the pandemic itself. So, when does peritraumatic end and posttraumatic begin?

Medical News Today explains the four symptom types of PTSD are reexperiencing trauma, avoiding situations, negative changes in perception, and hyperarousal, in the forms of nightmares or flashbacks. Michigan Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry also reported, “PTSD is also associated with exaggerated activity in the brain networks associated with processing threat-detection and negative emotional responses.”

Reopening is contributing to a societal anxiety.

As cities across America roll back reopening, the response to COVID-19 is still being tackled on a state by state level. New York recently put gyms and malls on an indefinite pause while its New Jersey neighbor halted indoor dining. Meanwhile, in a reversal of events, New Jersey greeted shoppers at the local malls as Long Islanders enjoyed indoor dining at 50% capacity. In addition, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are now mandating a 14-day quarantine period for anyone traveling from 16 states– that’s double the amount originally reported only a week ago.

“The pandemic has really caused mental health struggles that I’ve never experienced. After postponing my wedding twice and losing two grandparents to COVID, all in less than a month, it feels strange that the world is trying to go back to normal so fast,” Long Island native Melissa Navon expressed of her personal struggles. “Nothing feels normal for me and the threat isn’t over yet. It’s difficult to explain how that feels to others who haven’t been personally affected. Many young people don’t think they need to wear masks. What they don’t understand, for some reason, is wearing a mask will protect those at risk. People like my grandparents might have survived this pandemic if everyone took the proper precautions.”

With no sense of stability or continuity mindsets are becoming increasingly fragile. After months of self-isolation reopening became a source of hope. The phases were planned, something to look forward to. Smilowitz said, “Some families are recognizing that the reopening is a good sign. However they are still anxious about whether these safety protocols will be enough.”

Focus on what you can control.

Beyond wondering how to behave there is continued concern over others behavior as well, as mask shaming trumps even political agendas. But the longer the pandemic goes on the less secure it all feels. Society is losing trust with its government and health officials, as new information spreads on a daily basis. Without a sense of guidance the internal battle to feel some sort of normalcy is lost.

Corea explained that early in the pandemic “patients were experiencing guilt for small aspects of joy” while others were suffering. Throughout, it has remained important for individuals to find balance and process fluctuating feelings. “It can shift within minutes given the current circumstances. Patients are encouraged to prioritize self-care and avoid running themselves down so they can be fully present, even if that means making a difficult decision to say no to others and setting more boundaries.”

Unlike scenarios of the past, isolation has been a key factor of the pandemic making traditional stress management unattainable. Something as simple as seeing loved ones can onset anxiety. But there are ways to cope.

“These thoughts don’t serve you. Live in the present, do not dwell. Having some control in your environment helps you feel more grounded and less anxious. Go slow, maybe just do one thing you would like to do and see how it feels,” advised Smilowitz.

How will we navigate PTSD in a post COVID world is yet to be seen, but experts across the board agree that for a large percentage of humanity it is inevitable. For a comprehensive list of ways to get ahead of COVID-19 PTSD, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center For PTSD.

Daily Fitness: Thank you, 2017

This article first appeared in the December 20, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper.

 
I’d like to start by thanking all of you. As a long-time writer, it was rather risky to begin a fitness column. After all, who am I? Why would you want to read what I have to say about health and wellness? Even without fully knowing who I am, you have embraced me and all I have brought to DailyFitness.

Allow me to officially introduce myself. I’m Nicole, aka Nikki On The Daily, a 28-year-old living on the South Shore of Long Island. I enjoy being active, trying new things, and surrounding myself with positive, open-minded people.

Initially, writing this column was a way to interact with the wellness community — likeminded individuals form stronger bonds. Although that mission has been accomplished, as the weeks progressed so have I. This undertaking has become a continuous life lesson. Now, it has turned into the best part of my week.

In January, I dubbed 2017 as “The Year of My Fittest Self.” As I approach 30, there are many in my age group starting to already see the latent effects of their decisions — excess drinking, late nights, and other unhealthy habits. Having always been more health-conscious, I wanted to see what my body could do if I dedicated myself to truly toning it up and taking care of myself. 

I wanted to look like the girls in the fitness magazines, true, but my overall goal was to stop wanting to look like someone else and to be the best Nicole I could be.

My fitness journey this year has fluctuated between the best shape I could possibly be (around July) to going weeks — yes, weeks — without working out and overindulging in foods that were way too tempting to turn away.

While I’ve always had a slender appearance, I literally eat everything — I’m an equal opportunity eater. Which is why the hashtag #FitnessFoodie has become synonymous with my fitness endeavors. Part of it is genetics, another part going through health kicks to combat certain toxins, and the final part is working out. Another hashtag, almost a mantra, has been #StrongNotSkinny.

Strong not Skinny, September 2017
 

Being unhealthy on the inside, both mentally and physically, isn’t based on appearance. Health issues aren’t biased if you’re a size two or 12. I might wear a size four, but in January I couldn’t last an hour in spin class. Today, I make cardio a priority for my heart in addition to lifting weights to maintain a physical strength. I am strong, not skinny.

Above all, this year I finally understood that feeling my best was far more important than looking it.

I’m proud to say that I have rid myself of all self-hate and self-loathing, a lifelong goal. Rather, I have learned to completely accept my body in its every version. Whether I can fit into my favorite outfit or not, I still love the person reflecting back at me despite what I wear.

 

A lot of that has to do with the countless fitness articles I have written. By making fitness fun it has opened up a world of new experiences in addition to seeing a personal transformation.

But that’s not even the best part. The best part is walking through town, from Manhattan to Montauk, and being approached by somebody who recognizes my face from the column. Hearing that they tried one of the exercises I wrote about, or how they discovered something new, is almost like having a wellness buddy without the commitment but all the motivation.

That’s what all of my readers are. You are the motivation behind every step of what I do, not only for myself but for everyone else in our community. While my personal goals have been accomplished and then re-accomplished after falling off the wagon for a few weeks, 2017 has made me happier, healthier, and more motivated than ever. 

To all of the companies that have been on my journey with me, from business owners to personal trainers, wellness companies and all those in between, I want to thank all of you for inspiring me to inspire others.

As I write my last column for the year in my first year as a columnist I cannot promise where the next year will bring us. But I can promise you this. As long as you believe in yourself, I will believe in you. Because I believe in this ever growing community and that no matter what age, shape, or size, we are all strong together. In Omnia Paratus (prepared for anything)!

You can follow more stories from me on Instagram and Facebook @NikkiOnTheDaily

Pelush: Join The Refauxlution

(This article first appeared in the June 28, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Recently featuring some faux fur coats at Southampton Animal Shelter’s Catwalk for Canines, Anna Tagliabue is the future of fashion. Launched in February of 2014, Pelush NYC is a PETA-approved vegan, 100-percent cruelty free line of faux fur designs.

“I wanted to give the best possible alternative to real fur, to reposition and transform the way people think about [it],” Tagliabue said. “There is nothing that is really truly luxury faux fur.”

Milan native Tagliabue is seasoned in the industry after eight years at Fendi in sales and then 13 years at Prada on Madison Avenue as a personal shopper. Upon entrance into the luxury style industry she envisioned a world of ethically produced and wearable lines.

“It’s something that was implanted in me while I was working at Fendi,” she explained. Back then no such profound technology existed, but times have changed. The sheen, luster, softness, and appearance of animal-free textiles has become so advanced that it’s increasingly difficult to note a difference. “It’s amazing what we can reproduce now.”

Diamonds, fast cars, big houses, and expensive leather or fur coats come to mind when the word “luxury” is considered. But all of these things come at a price much higher than the tag listed: the exploitation of communities and countries that produce these products. Yet, because the product is deemed exclusive or high-end, society turns a blind eye.

“Luxury is pain, so why not feel luxurious while representing the good? The integrity of the brand is very important,” Tagliabue proclaimed.

Pelush is much more than a faux fur line, it’s the new definition of luxury and arguably the best-kept secret in Manhattan (until now).

“I try to give the best possible answer to real fur, by creating a product that is extremely luxurious, extremely glamorous, one of a kind.” Her goal is to recreate an emotion, answering the question “What does a woman feel in real fur?”

Each style is dedicated to the people, or pets, closest to her, many of which are inspired by the women of her family growing up in Milan and Portofino.

My look at the Catwalk for Canines was the Lilly coat, named after her recently deceased cat. With each unique name and design, every individual piece represents a part of Tagliabue.

She has high hopes for the future. She dreams of creating a foundation to help endangered animals. Through education and awareness, actively on the social media accounts, Pelush is a brand of forward thinking and education.

Join in the #ReFAUXlution, or learn about cruelty-free fashion, by visiting Pelush.com.

Tellers: An American Chophouse

(This article first appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of Luxury Living Magazine- a subdivision of Newsday Media Group)
Attention to Detail
Tellers Chophouse dining room pays homage to the First National Bank, built in 1927, with a captivating entrance of the original 30-foot ceiling windows and carved moldings. The authentic vault, located in the back, is the beating heart of the establishment. As one of two wine cellars, it houses over 10,000 bottles, listing 1,000 labels from across the world.
“[The vault is] the keystone holding this place together,” Manager, James Foglia, announced. “It holds valuables in terms of money but also in terms of clientele.”
Clientele is of the utmost importance and therefor are provided with The Cocktail Club and The Connoisseur Club, both of which can be found on the restaurants website. Combined, the clubs add an essence of grandeur open to all.
Telling the Difference
Frank Ferraro, General Manager of Tellers Chophouse, explained “You want something you can’t make at home…it’s about the experience.” Ferraro hands a young man sitting with his family a gift card. “He’s celebrating a milestone birthday, 18 years. For our patron’s birthdays we provide them with a free dessert and an incentive to come back.”
Having enjoyed many options from the Tellers menu, it’s difficult to write about a select few. For an appetizer, the Black Pepper Bacon. Thickly cut, properly proportioned, the slice resembles pork belly. As the meat falls apart tenderly, black pepper and horseradish glaze are delectable on the palate.
For the main course, Tellers appeals to carnivores with a signature cut, 40oz Tellers Ribeye that is broiled to perfection, marbling the fat in a steak lover’s dream. To the vegans, a large plate of colored veggies; roasted romaine lettuce, spinach, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes and sauteed mushrooms.
Noted side dishes are the roasted Brussel sprouts with pancetta; homemade Tater Tots (closely resembling potato croquets) filled with Gruyere cheese, covered in panko breadcrumbs with a horseradish crème fraiche dipping sauce; the Lobster Mac & Cheese is a melting pot of flavors as five cheeses slide over the Cavatappi pasta with poached lobster chucks in a creamy, bechamel sauce.
The finale. Vanilla Crème Brûlée and homemade Cheesecake with liquid ice cream. However, the sorbet trio with fig, coconut and pineapple flavorings was a sweet ending
(Additional, unpublished in the original)

Cheers
A Smoked Manhattan, poured tableside, uses a food grade smoker with hickory wood chips. Sipping on the classic cocktail, the smell and taste of hickory hits you in a subtle, not remotely overdone, aroma.
My bartender, Stephanie Diaz, described the creation process as entertainment. “[People ask] ‘What is that? I want it.’ The whole bar crowds around the smoker and people don’t realize it takes the same amount of time to make as other drinks.”
On the lighter side, guests may opt for the Rose Collins. Initially reluctant by the sweetness a rose embodies, the Collins was light and crisp.

28 Days of Awesome: Spring to Action

It’s hard to believe that Summer solstice is upon us. My blog 28 Days of Awesome: Find Your Local Adventure inspired a movement within myself. Though the initial blog was 28 unique things in 28 days I didn’t want to stop there. Why not try new things each season? Hell, I’m making it a blog series!

In order to make the most of 2017 I vowed to optimize each day as the seasons continue with small efforts to live life as an adventurous journey (not one we simple begrudgingly walk through).  Spoiler alert: it works! I feel happier and healthier.

Here are some new things I partook in (and highly recommend you do the same):

  • Eating at New Restaurants, Attending Yearly Events & Trying New Free Offers From A Variety Places:

The Cuban, Garden City, L.I.- Feel, and taste, like you’re in Little Havana. From Cuban cuisine to Latin music, this restaurant transports you on the vacation you’ve been dying to take.

Salinas, Meatpacking District, N.Y.C.- Bienvenido a España in this beautifully decorated restaurant next door to the Highline Hotel. In the true Spanish tapas style, plates are pequeña but a variety for sharing to get a taste of everything.

–  Ayhan’s Shish Kebab, Port Washington, L.I.- The original of the chain where I drank a pomegranate martini, making me feel like I was one of the Gods.

Left Coast Kitchen, Merrick, L.I.- I bow down to the person that created this Temple Burger. A spin on the classic bagel, lox & cream cheese deluxe, but replace the bagel with latkes and add some eggs. You read that right.

La Fondita, Amagansett, L.I.- Under the same ownership as restaurants Nick & Toni’s, Rowdy Hall and Townline BBQ, this off-the-road location looks understated but its large personality matches the enormous flavor.

 

food
Left- The Cuban / Upper right- Salinas / Bottom right- Left Coast Kitchen

 

–  Hampton Coffee Company, Hamptons, L.I.- I’ve never actually stopped at a brick & motor location for this coffee. Off route 27, it was an ideal pick me up.

Kobrick Coffee, Meatpacking, N.Y.C.- In an intimate and swanky, yet surprisingly casual location, that serves an Affogato worth salivating over!

Starbucks  , All Over- I came, I bought and I loved the newly released Toasted Coconut Cold Brew.

Douglas & James Ice Cream, Port Washington, L.I.- A quaint little parlor right on the water with a decor that makes you want to try it all!

– Carvel’s Free Cone Day, (once a year) All Over- I was the only adult on line, April 27th, but no way was I missing out! Mark your calendar for yours.

Taste of Tuckahoe, Southampton, L.I.- This annual benefit supports local schools and provides delicious tastes from dozens of local fare!

Southampton Publick House, Southampton, L.I.- In its new location, it retains the same welcoming vibe as its former.

  • As a self-proclaimed ‘fitness foodie’ my motto is that if you want to eat hard you have to work out even harder. As evident of the above, I had some hard work ahead of me. Listed below are some of the unique ways to keep fit:

East End Row, Southampton, L.I.- I’d never taken a row class, let alone been on a row machine, but this got me hooked. See my full review from The Independent Newspaper.

Glow Golf, Garden City, L.I.- It can still get chilly in Spring, so some outdoor activities remain on the back burner (like mini golf). But mention indoor, GLOW IN THE DARK mini golf and no questions needed.

Aerial Silks, Riverhead, L.I.-  I took an aerial fitness class in a hammock (what they use for aerial yoga) and became hooked. A slightly different, and more difficult, experience was the dual hanging silks! Full review here.

Volleyball, All Over- I may be an athlete by nature but I had never played competitive beach volleyball before now. Turns out, while I certainly need practice, I’m not half bad (for a real review ask my teammates).

Box + Flow, N.Y.C.- This summer Ruschmeyer’s kicked off #WavesandWellness. Based in NYC, Box+Flow made their east end debut with  a class combining boxing & yoga. This was the best way, potentially the only way, to eagerly get me on a yoga mat. Read my review in full.

Cryotherapy, Water Mill, L.I. & N.Y.C.- Can you stand to be in a tube filled with nitrogen gas at -250 degrees Fahrenheit? How about for 3 minutes? For the health benefits it’s entirely worth it. Read more.

 

fitness
Top Left- East End Row / Bottom Left- Cool Zone Cryo / Top Right- Box + Flow / Bottom Right- Aerial Silks

  • Explored some new places: Some things I just stumbled into, or decided to experience for myself.  In omnia paratus!

Private Artists Exhibit, East Hampton, L.I.- Guild Hall held its 79th Artists Member Exhibition and I was fortunate to attend the initial private showing.

Baron’s Cove, Sag Harbor, L.I.- Sitting under heat lamps on the outside deck, sipping my last whiskey cocktail of the season, it was a pleasant reminder that winter had passed and Spring was blossoming.

– Long Beach Strip, Sag Harbor, L.I.- A different Long Beach, known as Foster Memorial. A beautiful strip on the bay side.

– Democrat Point, Robert Moses Beach, L.I.- I hit a few first with this one, including watching kitesurfers!

Long Island Welcome Center, Dix Hills, L.I.- You’ve likely seen the obnoxious, blue I <3 New York advertisement signs on every major parkway. I stopped by the newly developed L.I. Welcome Center (eastbound on the L.I.E.). With all local produce it supports the entire community and gives back to those who make this island great.

Montauk Salt Cave, Huntington, L.I.- I couldn’t make it to Montauk but I did get to experience my first salt cave at their secondary location in Huntington. Inhale salty benefits, exhale stress.

 

adventure
Top Left- Artist Exhibit, Guild Hall / Bottom Left- L.I. Welcome Center / Right- Montauk West Salt Cave

 

  • On a more personal note, I made a conscious effort to further my career: I’ve worked hard on building my ‘Nikki on the Daily‘ brand for years. Recently, by consciously making an effort to push harder, it seems things are finally falling into place. But I wouldn’t be where I am without some help.

– Started a Fitness Column, East End, L.I.- I’ve been writing for The Independent Newspaper for several years. Currently I am perma-freelance reporting on several topics. A topic I aimed to be fluent in is fitness & have earned the weekly IndyFit column.

Modeled LIVE on TV, N.Y.C.- When I was in the studio audience of The Wendy Williams Show, back during my 28 Days of Awesome, I was asked to potentially return for a model segment. Thanks to help of style expert, Chassie Post, I modeled in a live TV segment called Look for Less.

– Hampton’s Modeling Debut, Southampton, L.I.- The wonderful Gabby Wild and Southampton Adoption Center invited me to walk in their ethical fashion show/benefit, Catwalk for Canines. I took a step in the right direction in the gorgeous fashion lines of Marita Wrong and Pelush, with a pup up for adoption.

Bethpage Polo at the Park,L.I.- This season, as a manager to the VIP tent on the polo grounds, I am both humbled and proud to be able to contribute to a business community I strongly believe in. Come join us on Sundays.

 

accomplishment
Top- Live TV, Wendy Williams / Bottom Left- Bethpage Polo / Bottom Middle- Catwalk for Canines, Pelush / Bottom Right- IndyFit Column

 

From my adventuress to yours, may every moment be more awesome than the last!

Make sure you check back for 28 days of Summer.

 

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