Depression, Anxiety, and the Corona Virus

As we continue to navigate our individual and collective experiences with the Corona Virus that has swept the world, it’s important to take a minute to slow down and process all that might be going on for us on a mental health level. There are many layers to this experience, and while each person will handle it differently, there is no way to be completely unaffected by it.

For some, this time of quarantine has been a refresh, a way to spend more time with family, and a break from the busyness of life. But for most, these uncertain times have brought about increased feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, and isolation. Finding a way to navigate these feelings can be difficult and it may even feel impossible at times. Typically, the pattern of coping one knows is the same pattern returned to during a traumatic time like this. That’s why you may find yourself having returns to substance use, pornography, marital conflict, isolation, and self doubt, to name a few.

In his highly acclaimed book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk says that when we experience trauma, we become disconnected from our bodies. We experience a “gnawing discomfort” of anxiety or fear, but become locked up and eventually ignore what our bodies are trying to tell us. This perpetuates our feelings, and makes us feel unsafe, not just in our environments, but in our own bodies.

van der Kolk goes on to say that in order to truly heal, we must learn to acknowledge and “befriend” these gnawing feelings instead of numbing them. But how do we do that?

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

At Ascend Counseling, PLLC, we create a safe space to work through these feelings and develop healthy forms of coping. Our counselors are seasoned master’s level clinicians with a plethora of certifications in trauma, addiction, and EMDR. We believe you deserve a place to come as you are and get the help that you need.

Click the link below to schedule an appointment today.