This is not a test. This is the real thing. I like many of you have been personally coping with major stress, threats to physical safety, economic circumstances and changes that effect my daily life.  A lot of information coming from many sources. Our roles at home, at work and in the community have changed. Feelings of overwhelm, stress, uncertainty, grief and sadness are normal reactions.

My role as a mother, daughter, sister, spouse, friend, psychotherapist and sole proprietor of a small business has changed. I am adapting. Learning new skills. Sharpening old ones. Being resourceful. Creative.  My work world. My home life. My inner world. Keeping perspective. Looking outward. Embracing change. Moving forward.

It has always been my choice to meet with a client in person. There is something so unique, alive and organic that occurs when people connect and create an environment that promotes healing and growth. I have participated in Telehealth with clients. This is not new for me. I have supported clients through cancer treatments, chronic illness which leaves them homebound or in a hospital or deployment. I have counseled clients following a traumatic event. I have helped families cope with crises. I am continually growing and learning new skills as I continue to meet the needs of my clients.

This is different.

This is not a test.

This is very real. People are in crisis. Families are in crisis. Our communities are in crisis. Our world is in crisis.

I have clients who have retreated into themselves. Into very dark places. This is more than self quarantining.  This is more than an Executive Order to stay at home.

This is about worrying about basic needs. This is worrying about the safety and health of our loved ones both young and old. This is worrying about businesses that are “my child”, “my livelihood”, “my children’s college education”, “poured years of sweat, tears, money into this on a daily basis”, “I have missed major events, taken time away from family and this could all go away”. ” I am fighting the urge to drink or smoke more”. I haven’t struggled with cravings for years.”

I hear you. I see you. I’ve got you.

This is having to cancel or postpone a child’s birthday party. This is having to explain to a child that their birthday will look differently this year. This is a gut wrenching anxiety that most of us have even know that hits when you realize that people have horded supplies and there is no toilet paper, milk, eggs etc. This is hearing on the news that of thousands of people are dying from a virus that has no vaccine and no cure.

This is real. This is not a test. I hear you. I see you. I’ve got you.

I give everyone permission, myself included, to check in with yourself and do what you need to do to feel safe. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Please stay informed. Knowledge is power. It fights uncertainty with fact. Just be mindful. Hear an update. Check in about headlines. Then take a break. Practice self care. Talk to others. Get out of your comfort zone and use technology to connect. It will fight the darkness, the isolation, the sadness, anxiety, feelings of loneliness and overwhelm. Tell someone else what you are going through. Check in on a loved one. Check in on the extroverts; its rough right now. Check in on the introverts; its rough right now.

Give yourself permission to redefine your definition of productive. Redefine your daily goals. Make a new routine. Dig deep. Stay open to change. Be gentle to yourself. Talk back to your critic. Listen to your wise mind. Find reasons to laugh. Make them happen.

Most important of all. You are not alone. Help is out there. Tell your story it heals. It really does. We are inherently resilient. It still takes a village. Even a village that practices social distancing and is under an Executive Stay at Home Order.

This is real. This is not a test. I hear you. I see you. I’ve got you.