We're not in quarantine, but the world is not the same

"I'm back in the office now. Some people mask. Some don't. Everyone seems to come back from vacation with COVID. I don't know how to feel."

It's not over

Just when it felt like things were getting back to normal, the new variants arrived. Vaccines offer weeks of protection instead of months. And yet, people are going about their lives as though the pandemic were over. Even people who were extra careful are burned out on being cautious.

if you’re feeling vulnerable or uneasy, remember that is a normal reaction to a very strange set of circumstances. This is even more true is you're in a high risk group. Be gentle with yourself. Try not to deny or dismiss anxiety or grief. Instead, offer yourself compassion. Do what you need to do to feel safe - even if everyone else is letting their guard down.

Remind yourself that if something (like other people's choices) is not in your direct control or influence, it’s really okay not to think about it. You're not being selfish or irresponsible. You're just deciding not to torture yourself. And that's a good thing.

Read this Blog Post if you need more alone time than the people you live with and want help setting boundaries in a kind way.

Watch this short video to learn how to reduce anxiety and prevent PTSD from feeling powerless over the virus.

If you need help identifying and setting your boundaries or practicing the self care you need to feel physically and mentally healthy, I'm offering video and phone sessions for the forseeable future. The pandemic has taught me that telehealth is as effective as in person sessions for most clients. Plus, we don't have the added stress of traffic! Parents find that driving a block from home and doing sessions in their cars gives them the privacy and quiet they need.