No one could have prepared themselves mentally for the COVID-19 pandemic, that according to a Counselling Therapist.
Kerri Gaskin of Coverdale Counselling in Riverview says ultimately humans are social creatures and connection helps us to survive.
“People are really feeling the burden right now of isolation. Those who live with anxiety or depression are finding that the symptoms are really are amplified or magnified right now. The emotional and psychological toll of being apart can be very challenging.”
Gaskin says if you are feeling scared, sad, angry or indifferent, it’s okay, because there is no template for what our feelings should be in this pandemic.
“When I was in grad school to be a therapist, no one ever said, here’s what you do in a global pandemic. We are all in this in a very new way and we are all experiencing this together. So there really aren’t any experts in terms of the emotional impact because we have never seen this,” Gaskin says.
Gaskin adds there is a need to balance socialization and alone time as well.
“There are also challenges and stressers of being with people 24/7, when you haven’t been before. Part of what I would do to work with clients is suggesting coping skills, coping mechanisms and effective communications, and finding ways to get space and time even in the confines of our own home.”
She says, for those who are dealing with the emotions, just know that when you are ready to talk, there are individuals who are ready to listen.
