This Covid-19 experience is daunting for most of us in one way or another. Instead of living in fear, there are some who are minimizing the risk as a 'it's their problem' or 'this doesn't affect me'. Others are living with the concern (as I am) that I'd rather not take the risk in contracting a very unique virus that in some communities is killing dear friends and/or family members. In any case, most people are suffering in one way or another due to the virus, lack of work, isolation, while the bills stack up without any idea if or when work will be available when this is all over.
In my world, I've shifted most of my work online. I am teaching, consulting, and doing therapy via TeleHealth. However, many of my clients stopped coming in for sessions because of either losing a job or simply attempting to reprioritize the risk of financial difficulties.
The clients I continue to see (via a video screen) appear to be adapting and most are now in the midst of getting back to focusing on their strengths, goals, and making choices that align with their values. I am concerned about the reported rise in domestic violence, the stress that unemployment and/or the financial stress has on individuals and families.
I am particularly concerned that in the midst of crises, people tend to make up their own answers and end up creating an 'enemy' (China, the government, science, a political party, etc...) that helps focus the problem on some other group or person. Unfortunately it doesn't alleviate the problem but psychologically it reduces the awareness of personal pain and fear by turning it outward on others as hostility and anger).
When the stay-at-home orders began I hoped that we'd emerge more united, focused on our collective strength, and would have avoided the ease at which we seem to turn our neighbors (of all types) into our scapegoats for our dilemma. My hope was that we would stop focusing so much on what we have and pay more attention to who we are. I had hoped that we would be better for this.
Time will tell.
In the meantime, we have a choice whether or not we want to be the best or worst (or somewehre in between) of what humans have to offer one another. Although I know there are millions who yearn for a meaningful and real conversation about things that matter and want things to be personally different, reaching out to a blogger, a neighbor, and even a family member might have limitations.
Therapy works. And while TeleHealth services are in a new wave of expansion, it means that with a laptop and an internet connection there are more opportunities than ever to find a local therapist, counselor, psychologist or other licensed professional. It is never too late to become the person you wish you'd become.
Dr. Scott Christie
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