If there's a certain form of communication that feels better (or worse) for you right now, let your family and coworkers know. "You could say, 'I really want to hear more about your story and support you. Right now it's hard for me to read text messages. Let's schedule a time to talk tomorrow morning so I can give you my full attention. Would 10 a.m. work for you?'" suggested licensed marriage and family therapist Lauren Consul.
If video conferencing is particularly taxing, "ask yourself if video is best or necessary," said Judy Ho, PhD, clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and host of the SuperCharged Life podcast. "Don't be afraid to ask for a regular phone call if it will accomplish the same objectives and reserve video conferencing for situations when you must have face-to-face interaction. In general, a brief phone call is less tiresome than a video conference."