Hello and Welcome.
I can honestly say I have never lived through anything like this before. So far I have yet to meet anyone has suffered or has the coronavirus. But I do not know anyone in this country or abroad that has not been affected by it.
We are all affected by coronavirus in some way or another. For some of us getting through this period of dramatic change is going to be an uphill struggle in so many ways.
Why coronavirus is stressful?
There are three main reasons it is stressful.
1 it is new.
2 we cannot control it
3 it is changing our lives
One of the major reasons for the anxiety coronavirus is causing people is that it is new. Because it is new the reptilian complex of the brain does not have a pattern for dealing with it. All unknown situations are immediately perceived to be dangerous until more information is available. We now know a lot more about coronavirus than we did in December 2019. But because there is so much we still do not know, and the situation changes on a daily basis this unconscious part of our brain concerned with survival stays on a war footing. So we go around in a state of hyper-arousal, stress or anxiety.
The second thing that makes it so stressful is that the social and economic effects are out of our control. Not being able to buy soap and toilet paper is stressful. Schools closing, making arrangements for child care and education is stressful. Not being able to visit loved ones in care homes, or other vulnerable friends and family is stressful. We didn’t choose it and it can all to easily feel like it is getting out of control. Out of our personal control. Because we cannot control it, it can also be perceived by the reptilian complex of the brain as a threat or danger, so we stay on high-alert.
Third. Because we cannot control it, it can feel like we are being forced into things we don’t like, the stubborn and wilful amongst us can find change in such circumstance challenging. The changes taking place around us, are happening with such rapidity it is hard to keep up. Perhaps an underlying health condition has forced you to stay at home. With gyms, pubs and restaurants closing it can feel like life will change beyond recognition.
Three Things You Can Do About It!
First. Knowledge is power. Ignorance is not bliss. Understand that social media is not going to be the best place to get decent information. Rolling news and constant alerts on Facebook timelines are going to keep you on the alert. So, instead of trying to digest the indigestible – cut it out. Either cut down on social media usage, or tell friends and family that their posts are not helping and ask them to stop. You can also hide posts that are upsetting. You can visit the NHS, Pubic Health England, and UK Government web portals for accurate information. This information tells you how to identify symptoms, what to do if you have symptoms, and how to reduce risks. These are three very important pieces of information – powerful tools to protect you and your loved ones.
Second. Understand the difference between control and influence. You certainly have no absolute control over the virus. But you can influence how the coronavirus crisis will affect you. If you have a look at what you cannot control, look to to see how you can influence – to whatever degree – what is going on. For example, you can take the advice to practice social distancing and wash hands more thoroughly. You can teach your children this to protect them. You might not be able to go to the gym, but you can continue to eat well and exercise at home. Maybe walking or running, skipping or yoga! See what influence you can easily draw into your life and start from there. This is positive action that will give you a better sense of personal power and control, and so reduce anxiety.
Third. Life is definitely changing. It’s possible that some of us will go into mourning for the lives we have led till now. Whilst others will resent the life they envisage for the future. Both approaches will cause harm. Resisting inevitable change will cause a lot more misery. During this crisis we are going to learn a lot about ourselves and other people. See this as an opportunity to break out of old habits and do something new. Do things that you haven’t done in a long while but enjoy. If the lockdown leaves you with time on your hands this is your excuse to get back into an old hobby. Read through that pile of books. Get the garden dug over, the car washed. Think about freshening the paint around the house. Now is the time to sort out the loft or your record collection. Learn to cook or mix cocktails. Plan a party for the day we can shake hands again!
How Therapy Can Help.
Professional and ethical therapists have a responsibility to reduce the risk of infection. Therefore most of us are not seeing clients in person. We are however still able to work with you via Skype, FaceTime and Zoom.
To help you to find relaxation in every day I can teach you self hypnosis. You don’t need any prior knowledge. I can teach you all you need to know in the comfort of your own home. In one hour. Being able to use self hypnosis will help you find relaxation, reduce stress and become more resilient. Stress is bad for your immune system, so becoming less stressed will help protect you.
BWRT® is a brilliant therapy well suited to use via Skype. I am an advanced BWRT® practitioner and have been using it via Skype for several years. BWRT® has protocols perfectly suited to alleviate your anxieties around coronavirus.
Free Consultation.
During this crisis period I am introducing a free consultation by Skype, so feel free to email me in order to discover more about how I might be able to help you suffer less through this period, or even to get the most out of it.
Stay safe
Gavin