Quarantine Mental Health Check In with Rebecca Walker LMFT
These are obviously trying times and we want to give ourselves the best shot at coming out on the other side of this *somewhat* in tact. Here are a few tips and things that I am sharing with my clients (through video chat) on the reg:
While the easy answer may be that you're feeling anxious or fear, there may be other feelings that haven't been getting the attention they need. Anger? Grief? All of the emotions are important and it is more important than ever to check in and acknowledge what's happening.
Yes, I know, I know-even "The More You Know" people at NBC are shoving this one down our throats. But to stay grounded, we need to connect to our loved ones and allow them to remind us who we are, how much we are loved and valued (especially when we're not working as much or even at all!). Grab that device and tell them the emotions you're having trouble with. You will feel the immediate results of being lighter and more open!
If you have now found yourself within the 4 walls of your home and looking at the people you share space with and thinking, "do I still like these people?" Well, you're not alone. Or maybe you've traded in your business suit for sweats and begun each day with a new craft or school assignment via the web to keep the children in your house occupied-never realizing you would EVER have to homeschool for 40 hours a week!!! Try REALLY HARD not to compare yourself to Suzie-Homemaker who cheerfully posts all the baking she's done or gardening or even accomplishing "SO MUCH SHE CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Remember the ole Instagram vs. Reality thing. We are tempted to compare our present to the filtered, shiny posts that other's make and go down a shame spiral. Not fair! And you'd never talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in shame. Stop the scrolling, accept where you are, and offer kindness. THERE IS NOTHING NORMAL OR EASY ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!
While it may be tempting to watch this all unfold like a bad car accident, it is not doing your psyche any favors. Unless someone is walking up to your door and handing you a gas mask, there is nothing affecting you IN THIS MOMENT that is so urgent you need to sit constantly watching the tube. Are there terrible, scary things happening in the world? Yes. Is some of the information pertinent to you and your family? YES! But, maybe see if a spouse or loved one can give you the bullet points that are most helpful for you to know. Especially if you run a little anxious. Do yourself a favor, turn it off, take a walk, and do your breathing exercises. News organizations literally make money off of your panic and love to sensationalize every. single. thing. It's not plugging your ears, it's being self aware enough to say, the world needs me to be a sane person right now and the best thing I can do is not add to the chaos-both internally and externally.
Most of us therapists are all running on video chat right now. While it is not my favorite way to do therapy, it has been surprisingly personable. I have been able to connect with my clients in a real way and be there for them when things feel all over the place. It may be tempting to try and muscle your way through this pandemic, but this is not the time to do that. You may be surprised at how much you needed that time.
Rebecca Walker, lmft
Rebecca is a Nashvilled-based therapist that is currently offering teletherapy services (if you’d like to explore therapy from the comfort of your own home!). Click the button below to visit her brand-spanking-new website. If you think she might be a good fit for you, you can email her at
info@rebeccawalkertherapy.com
Thank you so much to Rebecca for this incredibly helpful and useful information! I know this will be a great resource as we move through this very uncertain time.
Be well!
