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Dealing with COVID-19 is a heavy and challenging issue. Whenever I write articles that deal with mental health, I always ask a professional to review it to make sure that it would be well supported in the psychotherapy community. I have a lot of friends in the biz, so for this blog, which discusses dealing with COVID-19, I reached out to an old friend of mine, Lisa Brookman MSW PSW, Co-Director and Psychotherapist of the West Island Therapy & Wellness Centre in Montreal to review it. Not only did she give me the green light, but she also sent me her own article that she posted on her website. It’s so good, I had to share it as well.
Two is always better than one.
Let’s face it – dealing with CORVID-19 can be quite challenging, stressful and anxiety-provoking. Thankfully, there are online courses to take, books to read and movies to watch. We are also so grateful that you can connect with your friends in the usual way. But, what happens if you are having a hard time coping through all of this? When no one close to you can “get” your true feelings? Or maybe you are having a hard time expressing your anxiety.
When you are going through a challenging time, (in any time of your life – not just now), talking to a professional such as a social worker or counselor can be a huge help. Take your pick from one of our amazing, patient, and supportive professionals on our advisory board.
Just as a bottle of pop explodes when it is shaken, humans need to get out their frustrations in some way or another. When you get an opportunity to speak to someone and there is no judgment or scolding but just a simple acknowledgment and some tools on how to cope, it’s so liberating! It’s a wonderful feeling because you are being heard, and understood.
If someone offers you the chance to talk to someone, take it! Just like pro-athletes! Do you think it’s easy to go out there and play a game of hockey with the ENTIRE WORLD watching? Stressful much? The best in the world have coaches and trainers who help them build new skills or improve their old ones and help them get through the emotional stuff, too.
Pro-athletes who travel the world, don’t have time to stop by an office. They take their laptop and face-time their support system wherever they are. And you can too! You would be surprised how many therapists are offering this service now. Especially during these times.
On the other hand, you may not be ready to speak to someone. There are other ways to get your frustrations out. For example, by smashing a tennis ball across a court, running really fast, or screaming really loud into a pillow. It may take some time to get used to the idea of speaking to somebody, but when you do, the coping skills that you will learn will be your building blocks to becoming more resilient.
Lisa Brookman, MSW, PSW, Psychotherapist, and Co-Director of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre.
2020 has really kicked us in the butt so far. Especially dealing with COVID-19. Who would’ve thought that a virus that started half way across the world would be at our door step so quickly, significantly impacting our physical and mental health? And while social distancing is the responsible and ethical approach to dealing with this crisis, it contradicts so many of the approaches that typically promote mental well-being.
Every one of us is directly impacted by dealing with Covid-19. It is wreaking our community. We’re all feeling tremendous stress around our jobs and income, our health, our family’s well being and even how to entertain our children while they are off school. The unknown and unpredictability are unsettling and anxiety-provoking. Given all of this, it’s crucial to make sure you do things to boost your morale and outlook so you can maintain your mental health and be a good support to those around you.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to take control and help make dealing with COVID-19 and your quarantine experience more positive, purposeful and thoughtful.
Practicing self-care is a great way to prioritize your mental wellness. Try to start your day on a positive note. Write in a gratitude journal or practice meditation. Listen to an uplifting audio book or a podcast. Making these little changes can help set the tone for your entire day.
It’s important to stay informed, but too much social media time can lead to higher levels of anxiety and sadness. Dedicate a few social media “check-in” times throughout the day to keep you in the loop, but otherwise, try your best to stay off your phone and occupy your time with more relaxing screen time like binge-watching a comedy or reality TV.
Reach out to people, despite being forced to remain at home. Chat on the phone or have a glass of wine with a friend over FaceTime. Sign up for an online book club or chat group, take your kids for a walk, play board games or visit a museum virtually with your partner. Social interaction will help you feel less isolated and more connected with those around you. It’ll also provide you with a network that can support you if you’re having a difficult time dealing with COVID-19.
Doing exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which has a significant impact on mood. Go for a walk, play tag in the yard with your kids, challenge yourself with pushups, or download a yoga or exercise app. Several companies, like p.volve, are offering free streaming for new users during this challenging period. Your mood and energy levels will thank you!
Do your best to distract yourself and focus on the things in your life that give you meaning and make you feel good. Take charge and do chores around the house that make you feel purposeful. Set a daily to-do list with tasks that allow you to feel like you’re accomplishing something. Clean out your closet, read a new book series, sign up for an online course or put on your chef’s hat and experiment with a few new recipes.
If you currently have a therapist, ask them if they can provide you with video or telephone sessions. These are great alternatives for people who want to practice social distancing but feel like they would benefit from therapy during this stressful time.
The most important thing to remember during this time of uncertainty is that you are not alone. There is not a person in the world who is unaffected by Covid-19, so try to find some comfort in the idea that we’re all in this together. Also, do your best to reframe the experience into something more positive and productive. Count yourself lucky to have some bonus time with family, get things done that you haven’t had time for, and challenge yourself with new fitness activities. Above all, if you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. A friendly face is always just a FaceTime chat away.
I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.