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During the Codid-19 pandemic, I have had the wonderful honor and pleasure to provide support in answering various questions regarding this provincial, national and worldwide crisis. In counselling Calgary, or in other areas in Alberta such as Airdrie, Brooks and Okotoks, there appear to be many questions on how to deal with the current crisis and what to do during and after the crisis ends.  

Let’s take a closer look at Part 2 of some Common Covid Questions that have been asked.

4. Do you find people have been more eager to confront their issues now than before the pandemic?

Most of my answer is the same as question #3, however, I will add that any time trauma is introduced into a person’s life, many people tend to isolate unhealthily and become immobile in their attempt to cope with the crisis. However, due to the crisis at hand, the individual needs care and attention to deal with the trauma first and then can begin to deal with the initial reason the client came to the therapist for care. Addictions, domestic violence or disharmony, anxiety, depression and even life circumstances such as loss of employment are all important factors to consider as to why someone might not be quite ready to confront their personal issues, even though they know they need to deal with their personal challenges.

5. What has surprised you about counselling during a pandemic?

To be honest, not much. This pandemic has created a worldwide trauma based in grief and loss. When counselling, I have just been putting on what is known in my field as a “Trauma Informed Care Lens” when supporting the client.

If anything, I am reminded how resilient, in the moment, people are when crisis hits. However, we must remember, in crisis, there will be long term emotional and mental health consequences when an individual or nation suppresses the thoughts, fears, anger, of the various loss of control that has occurred (health issues, social isolation, ongoing media with constant misinformation, etc…). If continued to be suppressed, like a volcano or pressure cooker, it’s not a matter of if, but when some people will begin to unravel unhealthily….Unless supports are put in place now for individuals and families to begin to access supports and ongoing emotional and mental health education….or down the road when they realize what worked during crisis is not working anymore in their daily lives in attempts to going back to some kind of normalcy.  

1. Are there any demographics, in terms of gender and age, that have proven more resilient than others?

I’m finding that anyone in healthy supportive family units, or, who have been able to develop regular routine and normalcy in their life (even if it’s similar but different), have been doing much better. I have also observed that some individuals with strong religious and cultural backgrounds have also helped to support themselves personally through this crisis in a positive resilient way. Financial stability and proper education in the use of personal protective equipment has also played a key role in being resilient as well. Another area of resiliency has been connecting with those who are in your circle of influence. Yes, it’s not fun not being able to go for coffee with a friend, however, this is a time to be creative and have coffee with your friend online using one of the multiple video formats available on your computer or smartphone…and if you’re not sure how to do this then what a great opportunity to call a friend that can guide you how to set up a video call. That’s just a relational win-win in my opinion.

To be continued…CLICK HERE FOR PART 3

If you missed the first 3 questions that’s okay. Just CLICK HERE FOR PART 1