Positives To The Pandemic

If you are like me, you did not think we would be living the way we are now...social distancing, limited access to events and goods, wearing masks, and relying on technology online to communicate and interact with others.   Perhaps, I have had “my head in the sand” as my late mother would always say about not wanting to face reality or the truth of a situation.  However, there is no avoiding the truth of the COVID-19 Pandemic or the reality of it.  I relate the sense of loss that I am feeling much like I did after of 9/11.  I lost the sense of comfort of having some sense of stability and “normalcy” in my life; Before, I used to have this belief that in The United States, we were safe from terrorist attacks.  I guess deep down I knew the reality that we were not immune to such attacks, but I didn’t want to live my life in fear either.  I have again had similar thoughts and feelings related to COVID-19.  I watched reports on the news about it hitting China and then Europe, but again, I held onto the belief that we, in The United States, would some how be protected or immune from it.  Was it faulty thinking, “head in the sand”, or wishful thinking-perhaps a combination of all?   I now know and accept the reality that COVID-19 is in The United States and is wreaking havoc everywhere.  

I typically do not like the word “normal”.  However, I find myself saying “getting back to normal” often and I no longer cringe when others use the word “normal”.  Perhaps, instead of saying “I can’t wait to get back to normal” we can instead say “I look forward to when I can again do the things that I am used to such as meeting with friends and family without wearing a mask.”  

I am sure all of us have been and are being greatly affected by the Corona Virus such as working from home, perhaps a job loss, not seeing friends or family, and having a very hard time finding essential products at stores.  I used to laugh about the mad rush to stores before a few inches of snow, but that is nothing compared to what I have seen and experienced during this pandemic.  I took for granted the ability to go to a store and find what I am looking for….at least not having to desperately search for things such as toilet paper, canned food, laundry detergent etc.   It was quite an eerie experience walking into a bulk store and finding rows after rows empty and roped off.   

Even for those of us who prefer to avoid groups and too much social interaction, social distancing has become very challenging.  Perhaps, we like to have the choice to social distance rather than it being a requirement.  Please understand that I am not questioning the social distancing but rather I am noticing how it affects different people.  I am finding communicating more challenging - so much of our communication is non verbal.  When wearing masks, we can’t see the facial expressions which provides so much information about what one is communicating.  Of course, we can look at ones eyes, but when people are wearing glasses and sun glasses it is especially hard.  

People are now adjusting their ways of doing things.  As a practice, we are now doing teletherapy.  People are “seeing” their doctors online.  Much more shopping is being done online as is meal delivery.  People are having virtual family and friends get togethers.  Teachers are now providing education online which is new for most teachers and students.   This is great that we are adjusting and figuring out new ways to live our daily lives.

Some activities are not as easily adjustable.  For example, the wonderful experience of having a baby no longer allows for many, if any, people to be in the delivery room or to visit.  People are not able to visit their hospitalized friends and family.  Graduations and Proms are either put on hold or cancelled.  Funerals, are not being held, at least not in the usual manner with people able to come and pay their respects to the grieving family members in person.  Weddings and all of the events associated with weddings are being put on hold or changed drastically.  

So, with all of these changes happening related to COVID it is easy to focus on the negatives.  What are some positives that are coming from COVID?  Sure, many people will say nothing positive is coming from COVID.  Let’s think a bit deeper and out of the box! 

Here are some positives about the changes being brought on by COVID-19:

1.     We are learning to adapt and get out of our comfort zone:  We are creatures of habit.  Thus, we are learning to and actually adapting to changes. CONGRATULATIONS to all of us because we are doing it and we are surviving!!!!!

2.    People are coming together to help each other more:  People are joining forces more such as setting up “food banks” in what used to be newspaper dispensers.

3.    People are reconnecting with others more:  Things are so very busy for most of us and we tend not to connect with family and friends nearly enough except for funerals and weddings at times.  I have reconnected with former coworkers and friends that I have not chatted with for months and just to say “hi and I am thinking of you.”  

4.    People are supporting small businesses:  Though times are challenging and finances are tight for many of us, people are still supporting small businesses such as ordering take out at least once a week.

5.    People are learning new skills and trying new hobbies:  What have you done that is new to you?  Are you trying to sew your own masks?  Are you planting a garden for the first time?  Are you starting game night with family or perhaps doing a virtual game night with friends?  This is the perfect time to try new hobbies and learn new skills for we are social distancing which means less time traveling.  I have chosen to take this time to take as many online trainings as possible.  

I know this is a very challenging time for all of us and it is very scary!  We are here for you at The Counseling Collective.  We are providing online therapy and in person therapy with appropriate social distancing and wearing masks. Please reach out to us.  We care!  Therapy and support is so very important always but especially now.  You are not alone.

The mental health therapists at our office offer counseling for a variety of issues including trauma using EMDR, depression, anxiety, grief, and couples counseling. We work with teens, adults, and couples. We also offer online counseling services which can be great for people with busy schedules or for people who live in parts of Pennsylvania with limited counseling options. You can check out our website to see the full list of counseling services that we offer. Or, Request An Appointment here.