By Christiana Ibilola Awosan, PhD., LMFT
It has been a year since the whole world faced COVID-19, the virus that led to frenzy, quarantines, questions, and confusion. By now, many of us either know someone who has either gotten sick from the virus or died from it. The pandemic continues to affect all of our lives in various ways, and some more than others. After a year and more than 500,000 lives lost, many are still getting infected and dying. And, we are all trying to deal with the aftermath beyond the heartache of losing loved ones. The ripple effects of the pandemic have led to financial insecurities and loss of physical connections with our communities. We are grieving multiple losses.
According to the APA “We [as a nation] are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come.”Sadly, “years to come'' is right now for many of us, and we need to address it. We have all felt and continue to feel the mental, emotional, and relational turmoil caused by this pandemic. We are all struggling to cope or live with this new reality of COVID-19. The grief of countless losses caused by the virus weighs on our mental, emotional, and relational well-being which has sparked depression, anxiety, isolation, and great fear surrounding the uncertainty of the future.
What the Pandemic Has Cost Us:
The pandemic has cost many of us sleep and peace of mind. You may be experiencing irregular eating patterns, feeling more tired or restless, and unable to focus or concentrate. You may also be experiencing loneliness and feeling increasingly impatient with yourself, loved ones or coworkers. All of these symptoms are signs of grief that you need to address to maintain not only your physical health, but also your mental, emotional, and relational well being.
Being aware of your mental, emotional, and relational needs will allow you to identify the types of support you need during these difficult times.
Mental needs:
Time and space to process your thoughts
Acknowledgement of the losses you have experienced and are currently experiencing
Patience with yourself and others
A list of your hopes for the future
Emotional needs:
Validation of your fears, anxieties, and hopes
Time and space for your emotions to flow
A channel for your emotions: speaking, writing, drawing, walking, dancing, cooking, exercising
Relational needs:
Support from the people and communities who see and love you
Support from the people and communities who see and love you
Connection with your families and friends
Humility and vulnerability to ask for what you need from your significant relationships
For all of these needs, seeking out professional help for your mental, emotional and relational well-being is important. You don’t need to do this on your own. At Ibisanmi Relational Health, we’re available to help you through your journey. We can help you work through the pain and the grief during these difficult times. Book your 15-minute consultation here.
And be sure to follow us on IG at @ibisanmi.relational for mental health check ins and inspiration.
