I keep hearing similar stories and accounts. “I shouldn’t have anxiety, because I still have a job”. “I shouldn’t feel this way, because I’m able to work from home now”. “I’m not sick, so I shouldn’t feel anxious or depressed”. It doesn’t make sense… and truly, how could it?! When does the “worst case scenario” usually ever play out? Not very often {it absolutely does- trust me, I have been helicoptered off of a mountain – it just doesn’t happen very often}. And to take it a step further, how often does the “worst case scenario” play out of a world wide scale? Even LESS often. {thankfully, it only happens mostly in dreams and movies} And yet, here we are. Living out a worst case scenario.
And I’m here to say – YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE ALL OF YOUR FEELINGS. Whether you have lost your job or not. Whether you are sick or not.
We’re living in {and I know this is a buzz word right now} UNPRECEDENTED TIMES right now. We’ve never experienced anything like this before. The whole world is in chaos and literal quarantine.
One of my favorite quotes in the world {I know, I’ve definitely said that before – I probably have a full word document of favorite quotes – but stick with me, I’m going somewhere with this} was shared by Viktor Frankl.
While his life circumstance may have been extremely different from ours today {it was written while he was a prisoner at a concentration camp} – it absolutely relates.
It is NORMAL to be WORRIED when the world is in CHAOS. Literally, the entire world. Shut down. That is not normal. It is something that is out of our control – completely. That is uncomfortable.
Give yourself permission to experience worry, or anxiety, or depression, or WHATEVER it is you’re experiencing right now. Give yourself the opportunity to IDENTIFY your emotion, build awareness surrounding your emotion, and experience your emotion. The cool thing about emotions is that they don’t last forever. And, with that said, it is important to experience, build awareness, and most important move forward. What did we learn from this emotion, how did we calm down from the emotion, and what can we do next time the emotion appears.
A couple months ago, we posted about anxiety – which may be a good read for you if you’re experiencing some anxiety now – check it out by clicking below: {https://restorationhopecounseling.com/2020/01/17/why-do-i-have-anxiety/ }
If you’re starting to feel anxiety creeping up, now is the PERFECT time to create a list {yes, and ACTUAL list – not just in your head – writing on a piece of paper or creating a note in your phone} of ways to help yourself calm down AND creating a second list to provide preventative care – which we often hear referred to as “self care”. And it’s honestly more important now than EVER.
What exactly does preventative or self care look like? Taking a bubble bath {or regular bath}. Setting up a phone or skype date with friends to look forward to during the week. Setting up a virtual game night with friends. Read a book. Learn a new skill {youtube tutorials work GREAT}. Yoga. Workout. Read your Bible. Pray. Meditate. Paint your nails. Art. Comedy. Memes {in full transparency, this has been a go to for me recently}. The list goes on and on…
…So what does self care look like for you?
If you’re feeling like you need more than just a friend to talk to – reach out to a professional! Please know this – despite our isolation and social distancing – you are not alone. Right now, therapists are on the front line to support YOU and your family through this chaotic time in our world. We’re offering both in person and virtual sessions {by video and telephone}. We know your villages are farther apart these days {6 feet apart – at least- to be exact} and we still want to be a part of yours. Today is the perfect day to reach out for a little extra help or preventative care.
*The information contained herein is not therapeutic advice nor a substitute for therapy. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any mental health problem. If you are located within the United States and you need emergency assistance please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are located within Colorado you may also call the Colorado Crisis Line at 844-493-TALK (8255).