As the impacts of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) are being felt around the world people are having to adjust to radically different professional, social and financial realities. It is becoming apparent that some people are relishing the new conditions and are already in the process of adapting their lives to the new reality. Unfortunately, it also apparent, some people are starting to show signs of deteriorating mental health.
With the rapid changes to working environments or even complete loss of employment, routines which keep people on track and feeling safe have been upended.Human beings do better with structure, without it they can quickly decompensate, become directionless and spiral into anxiety or depression. In normal circumstances, this structure can be found in work, study or exercise routines. With social distancing and isolation requirements many people are now unable to rely on these structures to provide shape to their day. As a result, people are becoming anxious, agitated or perilously bored.
For those people fortunate enough to be able to switch to working from home, significant struggles remain. Commuting to work, which many people state is one of the least pleasant parts of the work experience, actually facilitates the psychological shift from work to home spaces. With the rise of working from home, many people are finding it difficult to make these transitions and are consequently finding it hard to be fully present for both their work and families.
The social isolation which is being demanded of people to contain the spread of COVID-19 is particularly difficult on those with an extroverted personality. Extroverts thrive on social exchanges and being deprived of these interactions is akin to starving them of vital experiences that keep them sane and productive. Finding creative ways of feeding the extroverted drive is vital for the mental wellbeing of a large percentage of the population.
People are having to radically adjust to new levels of personal space. Sharing the same confined quarters with family or flat mates can give people “cabin fever” or send people “stir crazy”. It is well understood that confining individuals to limited physical space or depriving them of meaningful physical contact can have rapid and significant implications for their mental health. Even within prisons, we save this treatment for the most difficult and dangerous people.
Most people proceed through their day with reality mapping onto their expectations in a fairly predictable way. When this gap between reality and expectation grows too big, the gap can be flooded with anxiety, fear, depression, substance abuse or anger. Without the traditional release valves of sport, socialising or exercising, many people have begun to take out their frustrations on their loved ones.
At Counselling & Therapy Associates, we have devised a brief and cost-effective program that will equip you to make the most out of these difficult times. Over a series of Skype / Zoom or other Teleconferencing platforms, we will assess your unique circumstances and devise a plan to deal with the specific challenges you may be facing.
If you are interested in getting started or simply want more information you can call + 61 423-144-606 or email on info@counsellingandtherapy.com.au