Emerging From The Pandemic

For the last 15 months, we have been living through unprecedented times. A global pandemic, an election to decide the future of our democracy, racial injustices and violence and trauma that we are only now experiencing and scratching the surface of. As a mental health counselor, I have seen the effects of the last year’s events on clients, friends, family members and myself. It has not been easy on any of us. Some have had it easier than others; I have heard this over and over in different forms: I am one of the lucky ones, I still have my job, my house, my health, what do I have to be stressed out about? I understand, I have felt that way too. 

Our Common Humanity

But no matter your circumstances, to think that the events of the last year(s)  will not cause some disruption to your mental health is absurd, really. We are all interconnected and we have all witnessed the inequities of our society, the violence perpetrated by systems set to keep us in our place, and the very real consequences of it all. As we become vaccinated against Covid and restrictions are lifted, and life moves forward in a new way, it will become more and more evident that we have changed. 

Moving Forward Toward Our New Reality

I recently participated in a webinar for people in helping professions and the emergence from quarantine. It addressed the increase in anxiety, depression, FOMO (fear of missing out), compassion fatigue and burnout that many people are either already experiencing or will experience in the future. Life only moves in one direction and we cannot go backwards. As we move forward toward a new reality, and are not white knuckling to get through the days, there is space for it to emerge. As anxiety, depression, fatigue and burnout. 

I experience it in not wanting to make too many plans as I feel an immense amount of anxiety of being with too many people or over scheduling myself. Perhaps you can relate with those fears. Or maybe you have your own. I have often felt overwhelmed by all of the issues coming up all at once and the desire to bury my head in the sand rather than pay any more attention.

Keep The Best and Leave The Rest

At times it has felt impossible to do more than basic self care and showing up for my clients. Often, my basic self care looked like a long hot shower, nourishing foods, walking my dogs and connecting with a friend or family member for support. I can see where I have grown and evolved, the areas I have had more time to focus, such as my art collage practice and mindfulness. And the areas that have shifted. For instance, I have had more time for art and writing because I didn’t have any social plans and although I definitely want to see friends and do fun things, I want to continue making time for myself and my interests.

What are some areas where you have changed and what would you like to carry forward and what would you like to let go of? Where are you feeling burnout and what is one self nurturing act you can do to support your mental health?

If you are in need of mental health support, please reach out to me for either a free consultation or a referral. If you are in crisis, please call the Multnomah County Crisis Line at 503-988-4888 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). For life threatening emergencies, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room or dial 911.