I reached out to several therapists, psychologists, coaches, and mental health advocates to ask them if they’d be willing to share some encouragement or a lesson they’ve been reflecting on lately in light of all that’s been going on. During difficult times, it’s important to have sources of wisdom, guidance, hope, and encouragement. I highly recommend you go follow every single person in this post. They are the kinds of people you want (and NEED!) in your feed, especially in times such as these. I’ve linked their websites to their names and included where you can find them on social media.
“It’s important to remember right now that normal expectations just won’t do. Expectations from others or for yourself. Whether we realize it or not there is a high sense of anxiety in the world. And there are a lot of feelings we may be unaware that we’re feeling every moment as a result of that anxiety. So be extra gentle with yourself with your own expectations. Just breathe and do the best you can. Now is definitely not a time (nor ever) to measure your worth based on output.
And unless you’re looking for something specific, stay away from the news. It’s easy to indulge our anxiety and turn the pandemic into entertainment without even realizing it. Shut it off.”
Christian Rivera – Mental Health & Myers Briggs Educator & Coach
YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“What I’ve learned during this pandemic is that people are heroes. Whether it’s by checking on loved ones, by finding ways to practice physical distancing or helping others by bringing a degree of normalcy to other people’s lives. The best way we can get through this is by practicing social connection while practicing social distancing. This means staying connected with friends, family members, and even strangers on social media, via videoconferences, or video games.
There are 7 billion people on this planet and every one of us has a role to play. This is our Avengers call to help one another and stop this common enemy by working together. And we will get through this.”
Dr. Janina Scarlet – Psychologist & Author of Superhero Therapy
Podcast | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“These are tough times that we are living through now. In this period of isolation there are ups and downs that I experience. I cling to a few virtues that make each day tolerable and brighter. The first virtue is accountability. I have to call myself out on my crap. I do my best to keep a healthy routine like eating lunch, going out for a walk, reading a book, and FaceTiming family and friends. This is important because we could be in isolation for some time, and in 2 months our habits can easily be dissolved.
The second virtue is gratitude. It’s understanding that if you and the people you live with are alive and healthy, that today is a good day. I often feel grateful for having resources to get supplies I need, grateful for being in a job where I can work from home, and grateful that we have the internet to connect each other together. What are you grateful for? Practicing gratitude by taking 2 minutes out of your day can really shift your mood and perspective.”
Dan Udale – Mental Health & Personal Development Podcaster
Twitter | Instagram
“If COVID-19 has taught me anything it’s that life has a way of forcing you to accept yourself as a priority. Putting myself first is something that I’ve struggled with my whole life. I grew up in a family where this was very much the case and therefore that was passed onto me. Everyone and everything else took precedence over me and my needs.
This is especially true within my work life. In the workplace I’ve always put the job first, feeling guilty if I got sick or needed time off. Boundaries were simply not a thing and I was taught that when you work for someone, you’re basically obligated to do what you can and not cause a fuss. Ultimately this led to a massive burnout resulting in a very dangerous relapse into an eating disorder in 2018.
In January 2020 I returned to the workplace after taking a year out to recover. I stepped foot into a completely different industry in a bid to reduce the amount of stress I put on myself. But, despite promising that I would do things differently, I found myself saying things like ‘I can do X many hours, it’s fine’ or ‘I can cover any holidays you need’ etc. I knew I couldn’t cope with the same things as others could due to my recovery, and I was very aware that I was meant to be phasing myself back into work gradually, but I began trying to please my colleagues and come off as the ‘perfect employee’. After just a month in work my weight began to steadily drop and my anxiety was climbing higher and higher.
Just as I felt my boundaries being challenged completely, COVID-19 stepped in. I fought against it and even avoided asking my therapist for her advice until it was forced upon me. Instead of putting my health to the back of my mind I was forced to accept that I needed to self-isolate for my own benefit.
My pride and guilt continues to try and convince me otherwise, but I’ve had to tell myself every day that my health is more important than any workplace will ever be. COVID-19 isn’t just a silly flu or cold as many had us believe; there is a very real, very sudden possibility of dying. Especially for someone with a weakened immune system due to a lifetime of anorexia nervosa.
If you’re struggling with accepting the need to self-isolate for whatever reason, then consider the possibility that in two weeks you might not have the option any more. In just two weeks you could be lying in a hospital bed, possibly teetering on the edge between life and death. There is no place for pride in this global pandemic and you deserve to look after your health just as much as the next person.”
Nyxie – Mental Health & Recovery Writer
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that every moment is precious. It sounds corny, but it’s true. In my family, we are grateful to be healthy currently, but that is not the case for a lot of people. It’s really making me realize how many amazing life moments I take for granted on a daily basis. My children’s giggles. Snuggles on the couch. Reading a good book. And just being healthy. I think when this all blows over, a lot of us—hopefully—will take more time to be appreciative of the gifts the Universe gives us when we aren’t paying attention.”
Jen – Blogger & Mental Health Advocate
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“I would encourage everyone to reach out to their “strong friends” and to practice the ultimate self care. Your physical, mental and spiritual health is of the highest importance right now. This is the perfect time to take time to invest in your mental health by forming positive habits and avoiding negative habits. Instead of heavily drinking or isolating, go for a walk or call a friend. Meditation, journaling, or adult coloring can all be done in the home with or without your family.
For those who feel they have limited guidance I would encourage you to read mental health blogs from those listed in this post and take advantage of the freebies on my site.”
Jess – Mental Health Blogger & Therapist
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“In my view, self-isolation is a period of discovery. It is a time in which we can truly reflect on our wishes, ambitions and work on improving ourselves. Instead of getting lost in the mundane hustle, we have the time for growth. The current situation also forces us to learn how to be alone with our thoughts, providing an opportunity for insightful reflections. You know, in depth self-analysis, picking our thoughts apart and realising who we really are deep down, outside other influences. This ‘alone time’ can also bring up many shadows from our minds that we don’t want to face (but that need to be acknowledged and accepted). We can acknowledge and accept all of the parts of who we are, and feel more whole. Most importantly, we are not alone in our struggle; everyone is in the same boat. There is nothing better than meaningful connection. This is the lesson that I have learned from this coronavirus pandemic.”
Laura – Psychological Research (MSc) Grad & Blogger
Twitter | Instagram
“There’s no doubt this has been a very difficult time these past several weeks. Many people have suffered losses in health, finances, security and loved ones. However, this is also a chance for us all to show how we support and care for one another. A time for us to slow down, be with family and consider where we’re at and where we want to be. For many of us, we don’t slow down until we’re forced to, and this is one of those times we’re required to stop, pause and look around. I would encourage everyone to take this as an opportunity to look inward and see what changes you want to make in your life. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to pursue your passion, start a business or work through some repressed emotions or painful past. Now is a time to consider where you want to be when we’re asked to go back to “normal”. Because at some point, the world will start moving very quickly again and it’ll be even harder to hear the sound of your heart’s calling. Be strong, be safe and be healthy <3 We’re all in this together!”
Chelsey Brooke – Introvert Coach
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Comment Below
What encouragement would YOU give? What lesson have you been learning or reflecting on lately in light of all that’s been going on?
So good! Thank you for having me! I want to have every single one of these wonderful people on my show! I will teach out!
I really feel this has been a time for me to slow down too, and also step back and re-evaluate where my life is heading. Of course, I’d not have wished COVID-19 as my opportunity to do this, but when something like this is thrust upon us it really shakes things up. Some great insights here 🙂
This is wonderful – so uplifting to hear the different perspectives, all unique but all agreeing that self-care and kindness to ourselves and others are the most important things right now. Thank you for sharing this 🙂