March 2020 started like any other March in Richmond, Virginia
The world seemed to be holding the course of tumult and calm that it had done most of my life. There was the thing that everyone was talking about, Covid-19, and how quickly it was spreading in other countries. But, it was not coming to the USA much less Virginia or Powhatan Virginia, and then it did. I remember conversing with friends and family that the world would turn into chaos if the shutdowns they were asking for or predicting lasted for more than a couple of weeks.
I remember thinking we would not be able to survive that. But, I was wrong. We survived and adapted and changed and made things work. I am not saying it was all roses, but we often tend to focus on the negative side of things instead of the positive side. Our brains are wired that way to be wary of our surroundings and notice things all in an attempt to keep us safe from danger. So, we are constantly scanning our surroundings for a threat. The pandemic was a threat, and the death toll was extreme; however, I would like to focus on some positive things that changed due to the pandemic.
It is three years since the state of emergency for the state and the country was issued to keep the spread of Covid-19 to a minimum. It has been three years since we were asked to shelter in place and find a new way to do things. As stated above, we found resiliency and adaptability step to the forefront. We made some pretty awesome adaptations to how we live. Here are some of the healthy changes.
Learning New Skills
We all learned how to do things differently and adjusted. We started to recognize the need to be creative in how we do things. Thinking out of the box became real because the pack did not exist anymore.
Putting Technology to Work
We put technology to work for us. We made online therapy accessible and easy for people to do. This allowed people to seek mental health services online and access the help they needed or wanted.
Appreciation of Small Things
People began to change what we thought was essential, and again, this focused on mental health. We recognized the need to connect both in person and electronically in video meetings. We also recognize that things change quickly, and we can adapt to these changes. Now, We live in a world where it is normal to have groceries delivered or dinner delivered. We ask if something is in person or virtual. We’ve adapted and changed how we see the world. We recognize the need for human connection and strive to create this in many ways. Mental health services have changed with a significant increase in online therapy services and the recognition that you can help more people with online therapy groups and individual sessions. We also now seek to do things online and can get the help we need from the convenience of work or home.
The Pandemic Changed How We See Mental Health From Something to Be Embarrassed About, to Something That Deserves Attention & Support
Therapists now offer online therapy services routinely and can help more people because virtual meetings allow them to see people who may not live in the immediate area. Our stress tolerance has changed along with the ways we seek to release said stress. We desire things to do outdoors and want to spend some time outside. We spent so much time in our homes that we realized the need to create a space outside the house.
This may be a yard, a patio, a balcony, or a place to be outside and appreciate whatever small amount of nature we can find. Since the pandemic, we have increased the need to be outside and be in heart. Therapists recognize the therapeutic effects of being outside and connecting with nature for clients. With online services, clients can be outside in a private setting and meet with a therapist. We can not encourage clients to Powhatan State Park, Deep Run Park, Pochatanas State Park, or Bear Creek Lake State Park.
The pandemic changed things for us; death and loss can not be overlooked. It also brought out the better side of people in finding a solution and showing that we care and will look out for each other. We are seeing a way to continue to use the positive things from the pandemic. This is the next challenge we will face. We need to once again rely on our adaptability, resiliency, and compassion to make the changes stick. I believe we are doing this and will find a way to continue bringing out the best in all of us.
Begin Online Therapy in Virginia
If you want to learn more about tapping into your adaptability and resiliency or finding compassion for yourself, please get in touch with me online or in person. I am happy to offer support from my Powhatan, VA-based practice and across Virginia. You can start your therapy journey with Gray Horse Counseling by following these steps:
- Contact me and schedule a free consultation.
- Check out my FAQs and read more about me
- Start receiving support from the comfort of home!
Other Therapy Services Offered by Gray Horse Counseling
I know there are a variety of mental health concerns individuals may face. This is why I’m happy to offer I am available for in-person help in Powhatan and online in Virginia. Other services at Gray Horse Counseling include individual therapy, anxiety therapy, group therapy, equine sports, clinical supervision, trauma therapy, and equine therapy. Check out my FAQs, read about me, and contact me today to get the help you deserve!