Loss of control, uncertainty and scarcity are huge themes right now in all of my conversations with patients.
If there was an end date to all of the restrictions, it would be much easier to cope. It’s very hard to have hope when there is no end in sight, when there is no assured timeline.
The basic tenets of mental wellness that I teach (structured days, staying in community with others, avoiding isolation, feeding yourself well, spirituality and exercising) are out the window because of the stay home orders, and limited access to food, gyms, childcare, etc.
I am heartbroken thinking about people who are dying alone in hospitals because no visitors are being allowed. I am also heartbroken thinking about people in abusive/toxic relationships that are being forced to quarantine with their abusers.
I find myself constantly encouraging the skill of re-framing. I.e., instead of ‘why is this happening to me’, say ‘what can I learn through this?’
I am having to impress upon people the importance of setting limits with consumption of social media and the news cycle
Counsel that I am giving: It’s ok to have big feelings about all of this. It’s ok to get emotional and feel overwhelmed. Just don’t let any emotion-driven behavior get you in trouble ✌🏻and don’t stay overwhelmed.
Remember – Sometimes we feel something so strongly, it feels like we will feel it forever. But this isn’t true.
Music is SUCH a powerful processing tool (for me personally, I’ve had With You/Paradoxology by Elevation Worship on repeat)
I hope you’re staying well through all of this, friends. Today is a good day for me. I feel peaceful and confident. ✨
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