I sit here writing this reflecting on how this third “wave” of COVID has affected my practice as a therapist. I know that the second wave had such a huge impact on my mental health and overall well-being. Before that second wave, I got my hopes up along with most of the world, only to be crushed by the weight of this pandemic. Over the past few months, I haven’t been perfect but I have gotten into my new sense of “normal” and developed a resemblance of routine. However, with this third wave, I am worried about my ability to be an effective therapist. I worry about what additional weight this will place on my shoulders in order to hold “space” for my patients. It’s harder to separate myself because I am experiencing the same struggles with stress, trauma, and grief as my patients. There are also fewer no-shows or cancellations to give the time needed to address increased needs/crises that come up between sessions. There is this unspoken expectation, not from patients but those we may work for, to “heal” in a time where we don't even know how to do that with all of the unknown. 

It may be time to re-evaluate/re-focus/adapt our goals for the future. I know I went into 2020 with some pretty exciting goals only for COVID to throw that plan off course. I have adapted and changed as I went through the past few months. I found, however, that I was so far off course that I lost my destination. I spent this past Sunday evaluating what my goals are and came up with a new game plan. I normally would preface this next sentence with “if you’re anything like me” but I’m going to recommend everyone does this, make a vision board or some sort of visual representation in a prominent location to remind yourself of your goals. I personally have several of the post-it easel pad papers stuck to the closet in my “office” adorned with colorful post-its, pictures, and markers to remind me every day when I am feeling hopeless about what I am working towards. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and this is my ‘light.’ 

As the pandemic continues, I am constantly reminded of the things that I took for granted pre-COVID that were so vital to my well-being. So many things I did on a regular basis for “fun” turned out to be essential to my physical and mental health. I do ALL of the skills that I can but there are still things that are missing. It’s important to do things in a responsible way that get these needs met.

Here are some of my ideas:

1. Go for a drive. 

2. Go for a hike/walk in nature. 

3. Baking holiday treats (in smaller batches since holiday get-togethers are not a great idea)

4. On your walks in nature, gather leaves and make decorations/art projects with them

5. Schedule a weekly “date” on the HouseParty App

6. Send cards to loved ones/friends/etc

7. Decorate your home even if no one is coming over, put your lights up early

8. Do Puzzles

9. Learn a new craft/hobby

10. Learn a new language

11. Grab some crayons and color

12. Play Board Games

13. Read that book you keep putting off 

14. Have a spa day (wine optional)

15. And my personal favorite: Build a blanket fort (they’re not just for kids), turn on the fireplace, make popcorn and watch movies or play games. 

It’s also important to remember that even though the term “social distancing” is everywhere, I think we need to change our perception and/or wording. It’s social distancing not social isolation or I prefer to say “physical distancing” because it’s a reminder that it’s not about isolating ourselves but getting our social connection needs met in a socially responsible way. 

Holidays are another topic in the front of everyone’s mind. I really encourage you to re-think your holiday plans. If you must gather, please wear masks and keep close contact to a minimum. Stress the importance of those who have been sick to not attend your gathering. You can even have a “gathering” via Facetime or another social app platform. We’re already experiencing a huge increase in cases, so I just ask that we all do our part to not further the spread. Don't just do it for your family, but do it for everyone, do it for your neighbor, do it for the medical staff at the hospitals putting their lives at risk daily, do it for their families who rely on them, and do it for us, the mental health clinicians who want to continue to support you but need a break too. 

For those unfamiliar with California’s COVID ‘tiers’, most of the state is back in the most restrictive tier (purple). And for those who aren’t familiar with the song “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, I encourage you to check it out because I find the lyrics to be very valid right now.

If you have any questions or would like to suggest a topic for a future blog, you can reach out to me by email at Colleen@ScatteredPotential.com, subscribe to my blog, or my newsletter by filling out the form below. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.