We are officially 320 days into this mess, so it’s probably not too surprising that so many of you are reporting to me that you’re feeling just … blah. Unmotivated. Every day just feels exactly like the next. There’s not as much hope in your bloodstream as you would like. So what a lot of people are experiencing right now are essentially the symptoms of mild depression. We’ve been deprived of the activities that help us feel happy and fulfilled for far too long. When we’re feeling mildly depressed, it can actually cause us to socially isolate, but that is only going to exacerbate the problem. There is a difference between socially distancing and socially isolating.
Treatment For Depression
I encourage any of you struggling with symptoms of depression who are not finding any reprieve to seek out professional help with a therapist. However, there are also some tactics you can try yourself to improve your mood. The number one thing that I think you can do to support yourself this month is to become your own Julie. I don’t know how many of you loved the TV series The Love Boat as much as I did when I was a kid (I had to beg my parents to let me stay up late to watch it). Julie was the activities director on the cruise ship that The Love Boat took place on. She was this perky blonde who always had ideas of things that could be done. I know that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and brainstorming to think of things that you can do in the COVID stratosphere, but that is exactly why you need to become your own Julie for the next couple of months. You need to proactively put something on your calendar, really anything is better than nothing.
Anxiety
Not knowing when this period of boredom and uncertainty will end can certainly provoke some significant anxiety in us all. Allow me to give you a sneak preview of what is to come. As a healthcare worker, out of the blue, I received information that it was my opening to get vaccinated. And what I want you to know is … it’s awesome! All of a sudden hope and optimism starts hitting your blood stream, and you remember what it’s like to feel bright about the future again. I know for some what is weighing on you is not knowing when it’s going to be your time. I want you to know that it’s going to be amazing when you get there, and in the meanwhile, please, be your own Julie.
We are here for you as individual, couple, and family therapists! We offer individual counseling, couples counseling, and family counseling. If you would like more information about Flourish’s counseling services, reach out to us at 303-455-3767 x. 5 or fill out our contact form today.