Ask the Expert: Mental Health Recap
People were made for community. There’s little doubt about that. But, what happens when that sense of community feels ripped from us? Most days, I’m grumpy about technology (because I’m terrible with it), but recently, it seems to be the only thing giving me a sense of connectivity to those I love. And that includes you. But all the video conferences in the world will never replace or fully replicate the true community we’re missing. And that can take a toll on our mental health.
So, I asked Ashley Wright, MA, LCMHC of LifeCare Counseling & Coaching, to share her expertise on how we can keep our minds healthy in the height of this health care crisis. Like us, she is dealing with a “new normal,” but is equipped as a licensed therapist with appropriate tools to cope. This situation is no walk in the park for her, nor does she claim to have all of the answers, but here are some highlights from her recent Ask the Expert session:
Value truth. Ashley mentioned a Bible verse that can remind us of truth: Psalm 145:16. Above all, let the Lord satisfy your every need – especially in the chaos of uncertainty.
Pause. Take care of your heart and your mind by ditching the hustle for a few minutes. When we slow down, it can feel foreign and counterintuitive in our culture. But, do it anyway. Ashley guided us all through a breathing and meditative exercise that involved babbling brooks and ocean waves – and it created so much peace in such a short amount of time. She suggested we try it on our own and even involve our children in this experience so they, too, can learn how important it is to pause.
Be intentional. Do things to help your mental state – intentionally. This will look different than it did a few months ago, but offer yourself moments of solitude throughout your day. An example would be to create scheduled date nights with your spouse. While you can’t eat at a restaurant right now, you can sit together in your car or feed the kids indoors then step out to your deck for dessert. Be creative!
Imagine. If you find yourself worried about money, employment, health or any number of other things, take a moment to imagine a container for your feelings and emotions. Put the stressors in one container and imagine what it feels like to be free of those things. This exercise can allow for at least a few moments of peace in the chaos.
Read and listen. Then take in information that can help with your personal situation related to fear or anxiousness. Ashley recommended books and podcasts along with specific callouts for The Anxiety Cure along with Lysa Turkeurst and Brené Brown books. Focus on the Family is also a nice resource.
Move from panic to presence. This is a concept Ashley recently heard from another speaker, and it holds so much truth. We have the ability and the tools to move from one state of mind to another – it just takes work.
Even when we employ all these strategies, sometimes we just have to ask for what we need. Ask your friend to stop talking about things that you know make you anxious. Ask your spouse to turn off the news. Ask your children to spend a few minutes of quiet time in their rooms. Asking can seem difficult, but it’s absolutely worthwhile.