Our COVID Lives

It’s safe to say COVID has changed our lives in countless ways. For some, work has become remote, and they have had to learn to stay motivated and inspired while sitting home alone. For parents and students, distance learning has changed the way academic performance is taught and measured. Even for those still working in person, new health and safety guidelines have changed long-established protocols. It makes sense that people find themselves struggling to maintain a regimen of self-care and staying mentally healthy. 

Post-COVID World

While the vaccine is becoming available to many Americans, experts don’t think life will go back to normal immediately. There is still a transition period waiting for us. Furthermore, changes that transpired during the pandemic might stay, like remote options for work or school. Even though you may be tempted to think that this will all be over soon, the truth is we will have to deal with the effects of the pandemic for a while longer. It’s important to develop self-care methods that work for you and that keep you mentally healthy as you continue on.

Many of us have been stuck at home for months on end. We have spent holidays by ourselves to avoid spreading or catching the disease. We have made changes to our work lives and personal lives without a warning. We have missed graduations, weddings, and even funerals. Some of us have undergone so much change without the necessary support, and it makes sense that we are tired. 

This is pandemic fatigue--the feeling of exhaustion you may have after following the same protocols day after day, without knowing when it will all come to an end.

The challenge with pandemic fatigue is something that we all may be innately aware of. 

There’s a lack of motivation that mirrors depression. Depending on where you live, there’s added pressure to ignore safety guidelines recommended by the state and federal governments. After a year of isolation, even spending time outside the home is now fraught with increased anxiety. Relationship issues have skyrocketed after months of being cooped up with each other. Months of isolation and strict guidelines affect our mental health, and many of us don’t know how to cope with all the changes presented to us, even the ones that are supposed to feel like a shift back to “normal”. 

What is self care?

Self-care is treating your body and mind with the care and support it needs to be healthy. However, self-care is not always about self-improvement. Although in many cases, self-care leads toward a better version of yourself (because healthy people often feel better about themselves).

Sometimes, we confuse making ourselves feel better with self-care, but they can work against each other. Drinking a bottle of wine at night might help you relax at the end of a long day, but it’s often not something that will help you feel healthier in the long run. Since many people experience barriers toward self-care, especially during the pandemic, our goal is to help everyone understand the basics of self-care to implement strategies on their own.

Why does it matter?

We all need support. Even when we pride ourselves on being independent and resilient, there comes a time when our natural defenses against unhealthy behaviors cannot protect us. At that moment, we need to instead act with intention to care for ourselves.

This pandemic presents a ripe moment for lack of self-care. We’re often so caught up trying to stay afloat that we allow our self-care practices to suffer. Unfortunately, there are severe consequences when self-care is not a priority. Practicing self-care can help us weather any changes or challenges. In a difficult moment like the one we’re in now, self-care can be a lifesaver.

How do you care for yourself?

• Do you adjust your self-expectations when something comes along?

• Do you set healthy boundaries with those you love and spend time with?

• Do you give your days some structure?

• Do you prioritize sleep?

• Are you seeking support?

Are you burned out?

• Are you unmotivated to do things for yourself?

• Do you feel trapped?

• Do your days feel like they come and go without change?

• Are you disregarding your physical health?

• Are you feeling overwhelmed?

What’s Included

About Me- Amanda Gibson, LCSW

I have worked for over 15 years in clinical and leadership roles in non-profit organizations specializing in helping people and organizations find the best version of themselves.

I have extensive experience working with people who have undergone trauma. COVID is no different--the changes and challenges many of us have experienced this year are equivalent to what we call “little t” traumatic experiences. I can offer my expertise as a counselor and a trauma expert to help you find a sense of inner calm throughout the world’s chaos. Although these are unprecedented times, the issues people are facing are familiar.

Why Work With a Therapist

My experience as a therapist has put me on the front lines of our nation’s reaction to COVID-19. I’ve heard from my clients who are stressed out, fearful of an unknown future and grieving the loss of the way things were.

With my training, I have the knowledge and expertise to help those struggling during COVID recognize the effects of stress on them and move towards health. This webinar provides strategies and tools to address the looming stress while emphasizing self-care in a socially distanced or remote environment. There’s no better moment to enlist the help of a mental health professional.