Last week, we talked about how challenging October was and why it’s important to create new intentions for November. (Feel free to check out that post here). The changes we are experiencing in November are far from over, regarding COVID-19 and the political climate. The ironic part about this year is that we are really getting in touch with our humanity.
Developing awareness around our mental health, during COVID-19, is something we are developing. It’s necessary NOW because we all are going through something… we are all impacted, in different ways.
Looking at what we’re all dealing with, we can find some common ground. We’ve all settled into some sort of new norm this year that we haven’t had before. A lot of people are isolated and lonely who are not reaching out or talking. Many are having trouble talking or engaging with others. Some are self-harming and others are dying. We’ve lost friends to suicide, and are at risk of losing more.
Coming together to support each other
We watch This is Us and there are some really great examples of what families are going through. In the latest episode, Randall sought therapy. He talks about what it takes to find the right therapist.
I want to offer similar opportunities and resources for help, and one is a really amazing organization called Roots Counseling in Cedar City, Utah. Milton and Rochelle are the owners and are amazing at what they do. They’ve developed an online therapy program for those that are struggling during COVID-19. The therapy they offer is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In the world of behavior change, DBT is a really great resource.
Roots Counseling has been a great resource for my family. The fact that people close to me have been able to access this therapy online during COVID-19 has put me at ease. It’s available for your family, too.
DBT helps with is developing new skills. It’s so much different than regular psycho-therapy or talk therapy. DBT helps develop new skills by building foundational behavioral changes. What’s been a huge topic for mental health during COVID-19, is that everything people are isolated, unengaged,…. which results in feeling lonely, anxious and depressed.. DBT at Roots Counseling is designed to help these issues.
Roots CounselingOur family is separated during the holidays
My kids and family in Utah have been on my mind a lot. With COVID-19 cases rising again in Utah at an alarming rate, people close to me are getting nervous to leave their homes again. My oldest daughter, Acacia, is immuno-compromised which means that everything we planned for Thanksgiving is being canceled. Those who aren’t immuno-compromised in the U.S. have “COVID fatigue”, getting tired of staying away from friends and wearing a mask. This behavior puts the immuno-compromised at a huge risk. On top of that, it’s getting cold and dark, which multiplies the COVID mental health issue.

What can you do? I urge you to take the time for yourself. Whether that’s taking a morning walk around your neighborhood, meditating, journaling, baking, Facetiming with family and friends… prioritize yourself, your connections and your own mental health.
Healing the planet starts with you.
Share in the comments below some techniques that have worked for you, or any questions that you have. I would love to start a conversation about this.