The world seems saturated in death, the headlines are bubbling with tragedy, and we are all experiencing profound loss. Our lives have been dismantled by something invisible and inconceivably dangerous.
The world is grieving. We grieve for the life we were used to, we grieve for the safety we believed we had created. This grief may look different for each person at any given time. You may move through lots of feelings during the day or feel numb. You may be having nightmares. Old pain can seem so real right now. Everything that ever made you feel helpless, everything that has ever threatened the safety of you or your loved ones can be echoed in the suffering of those around you. Most people experience terror in their lives, at some point. If this is not your first point of contact with the horrors of helplessness, you are not alone.
Many of my fellow St. Louis Therapists have suggested that in times as abnormal as these, it is soothing to find what is within our control. Food insecurity, job insecurity, health insecurity, relationship insecurity, and many other types of insecurity exist right now. For those with less insecurity shame and guilt are added to the general strew of helplessness, hopelessness, terror and desperation. Control in what feels like a doomed space may seem impossible, but it exists.
Advocate for your own health, safety, and comfort. What do you need right now to feel safe? Do you need support? Reach out to the many agencies and professionals that can help during this hard time. Seek depression therapy in St. Louis if that helps. Safety, health, and comfort can be as much a space we occupy in our mind as the space we occupy in the world. If you are sheltering in place, structure your day. Keep your routine as normal as possible, wake up at a normal time, get dressed, and eat breakfast. Stay connected with your friends and family online or over the phone. Enjoy the magnitude of virtual tours, online performances, and free material provided right now. Don’t forget to turn off the computer and go outside sometimes. Just sitting for a few minutes in the sun can help. Engage with things that have brought you a feeling of peace, safety, and security in the past.
This is your time. You can use it to finally do those things you have been meaning to do, you can use it to sink into a space where you get to know you better, or you can rest. No matter how you use it and what you do, remember that you do not have to be alone, even if you are isolating. Reach out. Therapists are just a phone call or email away.
Conclusion
We live in uncertain times and it is normal to feel worried about the future. However, it is important to keep these stresses aside and live in the now. This is the best way to look after yourself, both physically and mentally. It helps to be positive and use this time to slow down, reconnect with yourself as well as family and friends, and do the things you’ve been longing to do but couldn’t make time for. Be gentle with yourself. Feel free to reach out for help if you still feel overwhelmed by the situation. Remember, everything is going to be alright.
Struggling With Depression? Contact St. Louis Therapists Today
If you feel down or lost, and can’t seem to get a grip over things as they unfold around you, we’re here to help put things in perspective for you. Connect with our expert St. Louis therapists and speak your mind. Give us a call on (314) 370-5531 or click here. Our experienced counselors will put your mind at ease. Help is only a phone call away!
Kristen Neal is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director at Greenway Therapy . Learn more about her on her BIO page.
