You and Me.... We're Not So Different

I’m a Mental Health Counselor and I know what you’re thinking. I’ve heard it before. I’ve got the skills to give myself therapy, right? I’m immune to anxiety or depression because I have some secret formula to heal myself. Clearly neither is true because I would have cashed in and bought an island. With a private beach. And never-ending frozen fruity drinks.

No one could have predicted what’s going on in the world today. This “pandemic” is taking its toll on everyone. We are losing jobs, losing money, taking on roles we weren’t prepared for while our children are now at home and expected to engage in e-learning. That’s just the surface though. There’s anxiety of the unknown, depressive symptoms while we sit back and watch as our lives change beyond our control. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are on the rise.

I am not immune to feeling anxious and I can’t just wish away my own vulnerability. I’m scared of losing the business I worked so hard to build. I’m frustrated with the education system and the quality of learning my children must settle for. There are days I consider pulling the covers over my head and hoping it’s all a nightmare. So, even if I could give myself therapy, it would be a full-time job.

So, what is a Mental Health Counselor to do at a time like this? I turn to my resources. I stay connected with friends, find my own mental health outlet, am mindful and purposeful in self-care. I focus on what I actually have control over and pray about the rest.

Now is the time to get connected with a mental health provider; add it to your own arsenal of resources. Make your emotional well-being a priority by carving out an hour every week to log on to a video session with your therapist. Part of my own self-care is doing what I love so consider it a win-win. I’ll help you and you can help me. We aren’t so different. We all need someone to talk to.