Why do you need therapy in times of uncertainty?
It’s a tough time.
Facing a recession.
Politics are a mess.
Marginalized communities need our support more than ever.
The world is divisive and we are in times of change.
I admit to wanting to be involved to advocate for the changes I would like to see and programs I would like to see continued, and getting stuck doom scrolling about all of the scary things that are happening. There is a balance that allows you to do both. It is important that you find it.
My own therapy sessions with my therapist have been helpful in illuminating the problems that existed previously and are brought to a head now with this additional stress. The same is happening with clients. Anxious clients are experiencing more anxiety than ever. We are using the heightened anxiety to reintroduce tools that work for them. It is a great way to learn to live with the anxiety that you are having instead of trying to get rid of it. That NEVER works.
Even though money can be a major source of stress right now, it’s important to not avoid therapy because of worry about funds. If you take care of yourself, sometimes that frees up some space to be open to new opportunities and in-flow of money. I work with a lot of female business owners and I’ve seen myself how mental health can impact their capacity to take on new business or learn to set limits with clients, which allows your business to flourish. There are therapists of all fee scales and some that might be covered by your insurance and some who aren’t. Find one that you can afford. It is important.
So what can you do to help yourself if you are overwhelmed right now? Remember that overwhelm and freezing are the goals of those who are trying to keep us quiet. Pick an issue you would like to make a difference in and get more information about how to help. If immigration is an important issue to you, find an immigrant serving organization and help them. Usually they will have information on things you can do to help (like ACLU https://www.aclu.org/ ). If you are interested in health care, keep up with organizations like HCFANY (https://hcfany.org/). If you are interested in gun control you can check out Everytown https://www.everytown.org/ Committed to Women’s Reproductive Rights? Check out this organization https://reproductiverights.org/
The most important thing you can do is get information and advocate on that issue. Email your House and Congress representatives. If you don’t know who they are, check here: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/
Freezing is a trauma response. It won’t make you feel better, it will keep you stuck. Even one step in the direction of unfreezing yourself is important. It might be the first step you take in getting yourself unstuck. Getting involved will help you meet people who share important views that are similar to yours. The more you feel connected and involved, the better you will feel.
My personal values are to value differences and inclusivity. To live in a true democracy where everyone, despite nationality, race, or ethnicity, can express their views without fear of persecution. I value honesty and having things out in the open. I value people living in their fullest expression of themselves and their opinions and views.
This is a time to support each other. It is a time to take exquisite care of yourself. It’s a time to go to therapy regularly. Would you recommend someone enter a very stressful time without support? I bet you wouldn’t.
That is how we prepare to best support one another.
