What Can I Do About These Feelings?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought about a lot of different feelings for adults in this country. Adults find themselves stressed out about safe childcare, suddenly working from home, or finding a new job during these uncertain times. Other adults are trying to process a life transition such as working out of state away from immediate family or grieving the loss of a loved one who has passed from the virus. How do I process this grief without REALLY saying goodbye at a funeral service? It’s almost impossible to go on a conventional date and meet people due to the virus. How do I connect with other adults?
I can almost hear the questions swirling around in your head right now as you agree you are truly stressed out and experiencing anxiety you’ve never felt before. You are not alone and it’s okay to say I need help.
Humans are engineered for connection. We like to talk to one another, spend time with one another over a meal, we like to simply be in the presence of those we love and care for but how do we do that now and remain socially distant? Below are 3 examples of how to connect with others while social distancing and staying safe.
1. Your phone and/or computer provide access to others. Whether you want to FaceTime your grandparents or participate in a group video call to prepare and eat a meal with friends, you have options. Put your thinking cap on and figure out a way to “see” those you love and cherish. Your smartphone, tablet and computer are your friends now more than ever. I know of best friends who “watch” television together by phone. They start a show or movie at the same time and enjoy an episode of something on Hulu or Netflix. They aren’t in the same room but can spend time together doing something they enjoy and chat away about it afterwards.
2. Make it a point to check in with relatives or friends you haven’t chatted with in a while. How is your friend from college who lives in Florida handling the pandemic? How is your Uncle Joe doing in Phoenix with his business? Make some phone calls and share some text messages. This simple act could be the extra boost someone needs on a not so great day.
3. Send thank you gifts by mail. Your niece has been talking about a new case for her phone she found on Amazon. Surprise her with the new case she’s has to have! Your grandmother is baking more and giving fresh bread to the neighbors in her community. She could really use new bowls for mixing. Surprise her with a gift she will simply adore. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated. A handwritten note goes a long way.
Counseling is available to you to get through this pandemic and all the feelings associated with social distancing. Teletherapy allows you to engage in counseling sessions from the privacy of your own home.
Invest in your mental health with individual counseling sessions to help you understand why you feel so disconnected, lonely or all-around blah. I work with adult clients in North Carolina via teletherapy process uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and ideas surrounding Coronavirus and other hiccups in life. I provide a brave space to understand what is important to you and how to incorporate new habits and coping skills into your everyday life. Contact me on my website for a free 15-minute consultation.
I would like to be clear that this blog post is not intended to substitute for professional counseling. If you are in need of support, please consider speaking to a professional counselor.
Cheryl D. Perry MA LCMHCA NCC
