We are in a strange time and all of us are affected to some degree. Many are feeling unsettled, worried, and concerned and most social interactions have come to a halt. I hope you are doing the best you can to promote self-care. There are many different attitudes surrounding us now and I encourage you to stay positive, hopeful, and dynamic. Now is the time to be creative whether you live alone, find yourself homeschooling your kids while trying to work, or live with roommates, a partner, or family.
Several people, I’ve talked to have lost work or have reduced income adding additional stress during this time of uncertainty. Other people are coping with ill and/or elderly parents or family members and can’t see them. Some people are immunocompromised and find themselves even further isolated. Now, more than ever I hope we can utilize technology in a manner that helps bring people together rather than using it as a tool for conflict.
I encourage you all to Facetime or video chat with your friends and loved ones as much as possible. Some people are hosting online dinner parties, happy hours, and virtual get-togethers. Others participate in live online workouts, view live online concerts, and conduct online book clubs. Perhaps you can create a local Facebook group to be a resource and solution for those in your area who are in need or know someone who is in need. Take walks, exercise, and try and stay as active as possible. Limit the amount of news being absorbed as well because too much saturation will most likely increase worry and anxiety. Being resourceful right now is paramount to keeping loneliness, sadness, and anxiety in its proper place.
I have been conducting telehealth video sessions for almost two years now and want to remind those who may want counseling that therapy is available without having to travel to an office. I keep my fees as low as I can in an attempt to accommodate as wide a range of clients as possible. But, whether it’s been many years since I’ve had a session with you or this week I wish you the very best during this hard time. In the end, we are a resilient people and will emerge on the other side wiser and stronger.
Sylvia Flanagan, LMFT is a dual-licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in both California and Arkansas providing counseling and also offers relationship and individual coaching nationally. For more information, feel free to call or email.