How a Therapist Deals with Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety
My graduate school training did not offer a class on navigating pandemic anxiety. In fact, much of therapists’ training surrounding anxiety treatment has to do with things that are irrational, unlikely to happen, and blow out of proportion. And yet here we are in a global pandemic that requires serious attention & communal behavioral change, all without panic.
It’s a hard balance, right? As I write this, we in the Bay Area are in a 3 week (possibly longer) shelter in place ordinance. The news, social media sites, and conversations are absolutely saturated with COVID-19 updates, predictions of economic recessions, and fear. A lot people feel overwhelmed, including therapists.
Here’s how I’m dealing with my pandemic anxiety:
100+ Things You Can Do During Social Distancing
The situation & recommendations regarding COVID-19 are rapidly evolving, including recent widespread closures of schools, workplaces, and large gatherings. We are all navigating a healthy response that avoids unnecessary panic & us vs them thinking while taking socially responsible steps to take this pandemic seriously. This means we may all be spending a lot of time at home, and perhaps feeling a bit sir crazy. Wondering what in the world to do while home while honoring social distancing?
Coronavirus Response
We have all been inundated with news surrounding the spread of the coronavirus & its impact on our communities, events, workplaces, schools, etc.. It's normal to feel some anxiety connected to this. I am continuing to monitor the recommendations of local public health agencies. For now it's business as usual in the therapy office.
In the office I'm implementing a few new practices to be extra careful:
Turns Out There Is a Magic Wand in Therapy!
I often say to clients, there is no magic wand in therapy. What you put into the process has a lot to do with what you’ll get out of it. While I absolutely still believe that is true, I do have to make an adjustment to that speech.
It turns out I do kind of have a magic wand. And it’s awesome.
Why You Should Unfollow Your Ex on Social Media
Break-ups suck. Every little thing reminds you of him. You constantly have to stop yourself from texting him. You will feel sad for a little while as you say goodbye to the relationship and to the dream of your future together. Getting over an ex is hard enough, there is no need to make it more painful. So please, do yourself a favor and unfollow your ex on social media.