How to Maintain Your Mental Health in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Wow. Every day, there are new grim statistics, rules on social interaction, more time stuck at home, and the post-apocalyptic run on toilet paper. Today, the coronavirus means a pretty scary reality for us both locally and globally. Fear is so much worse when coupled with uncertainty. That uncertainty is a direct hit to maintaining a quality mental state. Naturally, most people will direct you to daily coping skills and handling the immediate challenge. But, I’d like to direct you to a key word that pretty much governs my therapeutic identity:

Perspective.

Here’s what I think is happening. Please, stay with me here. We’re afraid because our todays look very different than our yesterdays and this makes it harder to predict our tomorrows. Did you catch all that? Basically, our definition of normal was changed. Seemingly overnight. And, there was nothing we could do about it.

No one got a choice in the way COVID changed our lives.

We didn’t get to ease into coronavirus. First, we thought it was someone else’s problem until COVID showed up at our doorstep and dictated our lives. Now, it’s our problem. And, we’re stuck at home wondering how long this will go on. No gatherings. Plus, we’re all working from home. We can’t get close to anyone. In fact, every cough is scrutinized. Now, sports are postponed. Our news anchors are broadcasting from their living rooms. And, masks and gloves are the new must-have accessories that complete our outfits. Our mental health is being put through the wringer. And, this is certainly not how things are supposed to be.

Mental Health Matters. Especially NOW.

What does that have to do with your mental health? Perspective. Name a time in our existence that we were EVER fully in control of what tomorrow will look like? Truth is, we haven’t been in control of our days and the circumstances around us since we were conceived. None of us. Human beings are an incredible species that highlights the wrong strengths.
Our good days didn’t happen because of our ability to control the narrative.
They happened because life did what it does. And, we have an incredible ability to adapt to it. We always have, we always will. Where am I going with this?
Strong Resilient Woman standing on the horizon with her arms up in triumph. Managing Mental Health During COVID | Online therapy in California mental health services with Outside the Norm Counseling in Temecula, CA

You, yes YOU, are stronger than you realize.

Your entire life has been a series of adjustments to circumstance, one after the next. If you’re reading this, you’ve survived 100% of your bad days, and you’ll survive this one too. Now, maintain your mental health by remembering just how powerful you are.
Coronavirus is just another challenge that we will collectively rise out of and the work starts with you. Look around you. Despite the outlook, how many things can you truly say you’re fortunate to have? You see, an adjustment in perspective provides us the opportunity to shift the narrative even in the direst of settings. We’ve always defined our fate, not by what we control externally, but by what we control internally.
 
You are more powerful than you know, and I’ll always be here to make sure you don’t forget. From my perspective, we’re already kicking coronavirus’ butt.
Child with thumb up in front of a blackboard in school. Mental Health Checkup During COVID in California online therapy in Temecula, CA and online counseling in California telehealth with Outside the Norm Counseling

Interested in Mental Health Support From Outside the Norm Counseling?

You deserve the mental health care you need, especially in these trying and scary times. Whether you meet with us online via telehealth in California, or in our Temecula therapy clinic, we’re here for you. Our caring, professional therapists will take care of your anxiety, depression, trauma, and other needs.  Don’t let the coronavirus stand between you and your best life. You deserve support right now, and our therapists are here to help.  Online during the stay-at-home order, but later in person if you live near our Temecula counseling clinic.
To get started, you can simply follow these steps:
  1. Contact us to schedule your first appointment
  2. Meet with a member of our trusted team of counselors
  3. Begin your journey to a more balanced, confident, and comfortable life

About the Author:

William Coombs, DSW, ACSW

Former U.S. Marine Intelligence Analyst, William Coombs, is now a clinical therapist. Above all, he values authenticity and an individualized approach to your therapy experience. If you are looking for a therapist who gets it and is ready to help you become your best self, let’s talk. Visit our blog page to read more from William and other Outside the Norm therapists. Then, click here to read more about his training and approach.

Additional Therapy Services in Temecula, CA

Our founder, Veronica Cisneros, founded Outside the Norm Counseling to provide a safe space for people in the Temecula & Murrieta area to find healing. In therapy, we help teens, women, military & first responders, and couples find themselves. It’s time to restore balance in your life and become the best version of you, right now.