Pandemic Alert—What to watch for.

Okay. Okay. Okay. I know we are all tired of our current situation. I am even hesitant to write and then post this. And, I also think it is important. It is important to understand that it may “feel” lonely and disconnected but that there are others that feel the same. Identification is the antidote to loneliness. So, this is my attempt to help you feel connected. Yeah. Yeah. We know times are hard. No end in sight. Blah blah. Okay, I got it. That’s just it. The powerlessness and lack of control and uncertainty are a recipe for maladaptive coping strategies (ie video games, drug use, alcohol use, pornography, online shopping [no he didn’t go there], infidelity). People want relief. We want an escape from the entrapment and smothering (of kids, NTI, back to back zoom meetings). We want to feel POWERFUL and IN CONTROL. This is where the problem is. The symptoms of these sufferings are isolation, depression, anxiety, uncontrollable rage, physical health problems, conflict with intimacy and connection with loved ones.

More and more people are experiencing a “re-traumatization” or re-living of past trauma that had been suppressed and/or forgotten about. This has been pretty common. This can be extremely difficult to manage and navigate. Symptoms of this “re-traumatization” are recurring negative thoughts or thoughts about negative events, nightmares and sleep disturbances, poor appetite, decrease interest in hygiene health, avoiding certain things or places associated with past events. It can be a lot to process. Luckily, there is help in the community. There are professionals that do specialize in this area.

I did want to offer some activities that can make a difference and hopefully offer some relief:
1) Exercise – Get outside even if its cold! Moderate exercise 2-3 times weekly.

2) Cook something – It doesn’t matter. Cook something you love or cook something you want try. Love Italian food? Make your own pasta and sauce. Following the direction and wait to see the result! That’s something you can control.

3) Yoga – This is a powerful practice that no only has physical health issues but also has emotional and spiritual health benefits. Yoga allows for centeredness, groundedness, and the embodiment of oneself.

4) Therapy – meeting with a non-biased person can have many benefits. The insight, clarity and support from therapy can be all that’s needed to find relief. A lot of therapist are offering teletherapy so you can meet with a professional from the comfort of your home or car or wherever.

5) Puzzles – Like cooking, it’s a cool experience to create something from nothing. Puzzles require mindfulness, focus and memory.

6) Meditate – breathe in peace, breathe out stress. Meditation can reduce anxiety significantly.

7) Hobbies – write, paint, draw, play music. Do something you enjoy or do something that you’ve always wanted to do. This is your time.

Self-care is important. Please take care of yourself through these times of uncertainty. Hold on to whatever hope you can find. If you need please reach out. If Louisville Health & Healing is not a good fit, then we will find a place for you.