10/13/2020
It has been quite awhile since I have posted anything on this page. There is SO much happening lately that can affect us in SO many ways. Recently I heard (don't know the source) that 1/3 of Americans are clinically depressed. Then I was thinking....that's 100 million people (give or take). That's a lot of people. Between the Covid19 pandemic (or as someone reframed "panic-demic") plus any economic hardships suffered from the closing of businesses, loss of jobs and income, etc., the horrible and devastating fires here in California and so many other states, as well as hurricane and tornado disasters, some of the crazy shenanigans going on in politics and the polarization of ideologies in our country, and the social distancing and isolation so many are feeling, it is NO surprise that so many people are feeling depressed and anxious. As a therapist I have found an ever-increasing amount of clients - former, current and new - are reaching out for therapy like never before. I was practicing when 9/11 happened. Within a month there was an avalanche of calls from people feeling the affects of the trauma witnessed that day. The Covid19 pandemic is different, and much more insidious. The "sustained uncertainty" and loss of daily structures and routines have really taken it's toll on so many. We don't have an "end game" plan, and our leadership in the government many feel has let us down.
What I have been speaking about with not only clients, but friends and family is this: Given these most trying times feeling depressed, or anxious, or uncertain of our future is a NORMAL HUMAN REACTION. So do not feel badly or wrong for having these feelings. You may find that your relationship with a spouse or friend or relative is turbulent, that people have shorter fuses than usual, or tempers flare from irritability that seems much closer to the surface than usual - both in others and in ourselves.
The Covid19 virus pandemic is NOT going to last forever. However our family and friends and loved ones will be in our lives
after Covid19 is abated. So keep in mind though this pandemic continues and the cases increase and decrease, then increase again, if we follow the suggestions from the medical experts by wearing masks, keeping social distances, and in general being respectful of our fellow human beings, we are enduring a minor inconvenience for the greater outcome of eradicating Covid19 as soon as possible. Again, a minor inconvenience to prevent unnecessary deaths or suffering.
Focus on what you have in your lives that brings you pleasure, or that connects you with your personal peace. If you have a hobby or creative outlet, take pleasure in that, or reading books and materials that can be uplifting and inspiring. Much, not all, of how we feel and how we conduct ourselves through this challenging period we actually DO have control over. When your thoughts are bombarding you with fearful or negative ideas, shift your focus, or "change the channel" in your mind to something positive or enjoyable. Call friends for upbeat and/or friendly uplifting distractions, and keep a perspective. Although we are still socially isolating and maybe you aren't seeing your friends in person as often as you used to, check in with them, or family members, or your elderly grandparents, aunties and uncles. When we offer our love or energy to others it takes the focus off ourselves. Often volunteer work is recommended for people with mild to moderate depression. Helping others can enrich our personal life experience.
Remember who you are and what you love and feel passionate about. This hasn't changed even if you are not able to go places or see peoplle the way you have in the past,...right now,....You will again one day. Life is still worth living and exploring different ways to do the things you love doing. Hold on to what you know to be real and genuine in your life. We still are alive and living on planet earth. Developing a deep and abiding respect for the planet and it's inhabitants is certainly a worthy purpose and there are umpteen causes and organizations we can involve ourselves in that will only enhance our life experience here on our mother planet, Earth. That beautiful blue globe we see in photographs from space. This is our home. Maybe it's wounded but it continues to sustain life for all of us. Please take a moment and inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. You are alive. By some incredible miracle in the universe, life is happening. We are going through a minor glitch that will end one day, while we will prevail and succeed this pandemic. Let's do it with grace and integrity. All of us, to the best of our ability. Thank you.
