Panic begets panic.
This past week has left a lot of questions and fears as we deal with Coronavirus. Regardless if you’re on TEAM: People-are-Overreacting or if you’re on TEAM: People-Need-to-Take-This-Way-More-Seriously, there is no arguing with the fact that life has changed for us this week and people are obviously rattled.
If you already struggled with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD or experienced trauma BEFORE Coronavirus, it’s likely your symptoms have been exacerbated by recent events. This is normal.
Here are some things you can do to help you get through this difficult time:
Please know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. There are other people out there are feeling the same fears, pain, sadness and confusion. Your feelings are a reaction to a crisis situation. People without a mental health diagnosis are feeling it too.
Slow down. Pause and pay attention to how you are feeling. Recognize your feelings are VALID. What are YOU experiencing? Name it. Feelings give us information. One of the most frustrating things is to feel what you feel and have a person or social media tell you that you’re overreacting. Don’t dismiss how you feel.
Decide what to do about it. Offer yourself compassion. Explore what is coming up for you and the meaning behind your fears. What do you need right now and how can you take care of yourself given what’s going?
Consider therapy to process recent events and what you can do to gain a sense of control. If going to a brick and mortar therapy session seems daunting right now or impossible given your health, consider telehealth. Many therapists now offer therapy via videoconferencing. Check with yours.
I’m thinking of you. We are all in this together. I hope you are taking good care of yourself. Especially when times are challenging.
Being a human is a lot sometimes.
Carrie
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