MINDFULNESS
The OTHER UNSEEN THREAT Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW
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Don’t breathe. Wear a mask. Use gloves. Don’t use gloves. Don’t go outside. Go outside and exercise. Don’t touch anything. Stock up on everything. Stay connected. Don’t go anywhere. It is all so damn overwhelming. The challenge we are collectively facing to navigate the global pandemic has taken its unique toll on all of us. From hearing about a college classmate passing away to seeing a colleagues lose their jobs, this moment in history will be one of the most distinct markers of our lifetime. Please do your best not to minimize that for yourself. There have been thousands of articles published describing how to effectively cope with the stress of isolation or the uncertainty about how or when our lives will return to some normalcy. The one glaring omission I have consistently observed is that few
have stated that it is okay to be worried. It is okay to be angry. It is okay to sad or happy. It is okay to not be okay right now. While incredibly well meaning, the advice given to simply stay busy or make Zoom calls is only part of how to care for ourselves. When you recognize the fear that is present, do your best to let it guide your action. What is the emotion telling you? Maybe you are a small business owner who is watching everything they have worked so hard for slowly fade. Maybe you are genuinely worried because your child has an illness that makes them more vulnerable. Maybe you are more susceptible than most to the consequences of isolation. Or maybe suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher seizes your last emotional reserves. It is easy for many to say it will be okay. Not everyone has that ability, and that is where we must validate the fear and worry. I
