#SelfCareFriday: On Coping During COVID-19
Friends—Right now and always, we need to give ourselves permission to take care of ourselves. Self care is how we build resilience and wellness, little by little each day. In our weekly #SelfCareFriday series, licensed social worker and NAMI Chicago Senior Clinical Manager Jessica Zaehringer, MA, LSW, will share new ways each week to take care of yourself.
Self care might be hard for you. If you need a little more help, call our Helpline at 833-626-4244 or check out a virtual support group.
#SelfCareFriday: On Coping during COVID-19
Right now, more than ever before, self-care is necessary. Even for folks who may have never experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is important to realize that whether these are emotions you've had before, or ones that are new, they are valid and shared by others, these feelings (among others) are valid and shared. Especially during these times of uncertainty and isolation otherwise known as “social distancing.”
The anxiety we may be experiencing can come from many different places, not only because humans are organically social beings (we want to be around people - or at least have the option to be around people) but also because this is a “novel” virus, meaning something that no one has ever experienced before.
Some questions that might be rooted in anxiety include: 1) Will this ever end? 2) Will life go back to normal? 3) Will the CTA ever be safe again? 4) Will my family members be safe? 5) Is it safe for me to go to the grocery store?.... and so forth.
These questions and the co-occurring feelings/emotions are common and valid. That is why self-care is more important than ever before.
This week, I want to reiterate that self-care can be difficult right now. That is why giving yourself a judgment free zone is crucial. If you are sleeping in longer than usual, that is okay, maybe your body needs rest. If you are eating more than usual, that is okay too. If you are not writing your first novel, hey that’s alright. These times are difficult and every person needs something different.
I once heard that we should treat ourselves like we would treat a small child. If you feel like sleeping in, why not sleep in? Give yourself grace. Why do we need to be productive and begin life-changing projects during these times? Treating ourselves like the fragile human beings we are, during difficult moments, will maintain the wellness and clarity we need during these uncertain times.
