Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
The spread of COVID-19 has indeed disrupted our usual routines and caused some mental, social & emotional discomfort. This is a very unusual and abnormal season! It is important to note that people will respond to this pandemic in a variety of ways…and that’s okay. Some people may undermine the situation, others will become highly anxious, and others may be somewhere in the middle. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions – and these feelings can change from day to day. The Philippians passage above reminds us that, in the midst of COVID-19, our prayers can ground us in God’s peace.
In the counselling realm, the Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in British Columbia (FACTBC – representing over 6,000 counsellors & therapists in BC) is recommending that we make our mental health a priority by ensuring self-care. “In a time of global health uncertainty, it is imperative to protect your mental health and seek qualified professional support as needed,” Dr. Glen Grigg, Chair of FACTBC. Let’s be proactive about our mental and spiritual wellness.
Two things to keep in mind:
- Be careful of COVID-19 overload. COVID-19 news is coming at us from all directions and this can be overwhelming. Limit your time with the news. Maybe check in once or twice a day. Instead, check out one of the many mental health apps that are available for free and for pay. You might find this link helpful in finding something that speaks to you.
- Be careful of COVID-19 misinformation. Check out rumours for yourself by going to reputable sources. Go to the World Health Organization or the Government of Canada Health Site for correct information about the virus.
5 Tips for Wellness:
- Give thanks in all circumstances. Take a few seconds throughout the day to jot down a few things that you’re grateful for and turn them into little prayers to God throughout the day. A simple practice like this may make a big impact on your attitude and your life.
- Keep up social connections. Maintain social distance, of course, but stay in touch with family, friends, and your spiritual community. Call, video conference, share a podcast, or maybe even write! Join an online community meeting, a church worship service…or start an online group yourself!
- Take good care of your body. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Work towards maintaining good nutrition and have regular meals. Limit your alcohol & caffeine intake. Spend some time outside. Practice deep breathing & relaxation techniques. Be creative! Search on youtube for a new recipe, a calming exercise, a dance-along video, maybe find yourself a personal trainer!
- Maintain a schedule (while respecting safety recommendations). Weekdays, weekends…meals, work/study time, relaxation time…continue to keep your sabbath. Keeping a schedule can help you contain emotions and feel a sense of control.
- Take the focus off of yourself: do something kind for someone else. Emotional reactions are often mitigated by taking action. Doing simple, practical things like look after the safety of yourself and others. Other examples may include cleaning & organizing, fixing something around the house, or cooking something special. Maybe there is something you can do for your “vulnerable family members or neighbours” – those who may have compromised immune systems. Helping others pick up a few essential items, a food drop-off, a phone conversation may go a long way!
When your emotions are overwhelming, and do not respond to self-care and social support, do seek professional help.
Soma Counselling (Response to COVID-19):
- Soma Counselling will continue to provide counselling services but will do so only via remote, online counselling until the COVID-19 situation eases off.
- Current clients will be given priority to keep their confirmed appointment times if they so wish. Your counsellor will send you check-in page with details in how to proceed with your remote counselling appointment.
- We are only accepting a limited number of new clients. Clients referred to Soma Counselling by doctors, pastors/ministry leaders, workshops will continue to be given priority.
- All bookings will continue to be done through email. Please simply email info@somacounselling.com and provide your name, contact number, and how you came across Soma/who referred you. We will try to get back to you within 5 working days.
Finally, Gordon Neufeld’s research on stress states that the opposite of stress is not as simple as finding ways to ‘destress’…But that the opposite of stress is ‘resilience’. So, how can we recover from these stressful, difficult days? How can we find mental & spiritual wellness in the midst of COVID-19?
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Our faith can take us through this season – but it doesn’t take away the overwhelming environment. Our faith can give us the ability to hold on in tough times – but it doesn’t take us out of the storm.
Let’s be creative as we find meaningful ways to ‘bounce back’ from all the stressful details given these past few weeks.As you take care of yourselves, and others in your family & community – Be mindful that you are not alone. God is with us.
And, we are here. Soma Counselling continues to be passionate about strengthening relationships and facilitating the emotional, mental and spiritual development of each person. We believe in the healing power of living authentically in community with others even in the midst of COVID-19. Please reach out to us at any time.
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This document is adapted from the following sources:
Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in British Columbia (FACTBC), Press Release. British Columbians Urged to Protect Their Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty. Vancouver, March 16, 2020.
Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com (March, 2020).
COVID-19 Mental health and wellbeing. Retrieved at https://cmha.ca/news/covid-19-and-mental-health on March 19, 2020.