A message saying that things are under control is quickly retracted as the Governor of Michigan closes all schools for three weeks. You wonder where the truth lies. Do the media have an agenda that is being sensationalized? So many questions flood your mind. Scrolling through Facebook doesn’t help much because you’re caught between the people who say this is an over-reaction and the people who have stocked up on a year’s worth of toilet paper.
This is a confusing time where none of us really know where this thing is going. Will it get worse before it gets better or if it will pass quickly with little consequence? Regardless, there are some heavy thoughts that seem to consume you. Here are three tips to help you get your bearing and ease some anxiety.
Take pause
Your actions are showing you what is important to you. Not just what, but who are the people in your life that you love. You think about the “what if’s”. Take an inventory of the people who come to mind. Investigate the fondness of the feelings you have for that relationship. Make a choice to reach out to those people and let them know how much you care about them. Tell them what they mean to you. In a crisis, we realize what is really important in our lives and the time is now to share how we feel. This time is an opportunity for all of us to gain perspective on what is really important to us in life.
Laugh
A little distraction will do you some good. Once you know your loved ones are safe find something that will produce laughter. Do you have a favorite comedy movie? Do you have a board game or youtube clips that you could watch that will get you going? Laughter is good medicine. Take turns finding your favorite clips and see what happens. We are all spending more time at home and we need to make the best of it. Try to get silly.
Generosity
Remember that there may be people less fortunate than you are. I read a story about an elderly couple that was in tears in the parking lot. They were terrified to go into the grocery store. They wondered whether it was worth the risk to be in such a large crowd. Could they get in and get the necessary items they needed without risk? Maybe there are people in your life that need your help. Is there something you could do to show them support? Make a list of people in your life that may have immune systems that are not as healthy as yours and offer to go grocery shopping for them. Give them a call and let them know that you are thinking about them. Most senior communities are shut down right now. Grab some paper and crayons and have the kids draw some pictures and mail them out.
Help beyond
If you or anyone you know is struggling in this time, The Truism Center is offering video counseling services. To new clients, we are offering up to four (52 minutes) sessions for $50 per session. Please e-mail us at hello@thetruismcenter.com and request support from a Licensed Counselor today.
Learn more about video therapy at www.thetruismcenter.com/video-therapy
Learn more about our therapists at www.thetruismcenter.com/therapists