Notes from a Psychologist who was keeping it together...until Omicron.

This week, I feel the desire for this all to be over so deeply. And I see it all round me. People allowing themselves to feel joy, to plan for the future, and to act as though all is good again. 

But then something happens that pulls us back to the harsh reality:

This is not over.

For some, it has been the news of the Omicron variant that has brought the uncertainty back into focus. For others, it has been the experience of being a close contact. And for too many, it has been contracting COVID-19. 

 So what do we do to cope with this ever present uncertainty? 

1. Recently I have been revisited by old friends from lockdown: stress and anxiety. Although my first instinct was to spiral and eat chocolate; I managed to remember something: 

Although the situation is different, the strategies to manage the emotions are the same. 

So return to the strategies you have developed in the last 2 years. (And if you need a little reminder of some strategies, check out my previous posts.)

2. After years of last-minute cancelled plans, it is likely that planning for the future right now will trigger anxiety. This is not a reason to stop making plans, but it is important to notice the difference between planning for something you feel expected to do, versus something that matters to you. 

Focus on plans that are meaningful to you. This won’t make the stress go away, but it will make it easier to carry. 

3. Although it is normal to want to make sense of it all, scrolling social media tends to increase anxiety and stress. 

Try to put achievable limits on your use (e.g. don’t turn it on until after a morning self-care routine). Take a few days off and see the impact it has on your wellbeing.  Reflect on what parts of social media use are meaningful to you, and if there are other ways to serve these needs.

 4. When surrounded by uncertainty and threats outside of your control, it can be helpful to remind yourself to “stay in the day.” Although you can’t know the future, you can make today the best it can be. 

Try to fill it with self-care (which may mean saying no and setting boundaries), supportive friends and moments of doing things nice for yourself. 

5. You may feel a pressure at work or in other parts of life, to get back to normal. And that if you don't feel  ready, there is something wrong with you. That you are not enough. 

Try to notice these expectations but know that your worth is not determined by your productivity. You are worthy no matter what you do today so let your actions be guided by your body and needs. And remember, rest is an action and may be what your body needs.

Our brains are built to predict problems in the future. But right now, it will be helpful to move your attention to recall on all you have overcome over the last 2 years and the strengths you have shown. 

You have handled the unprecedented, use this as evidence that you will handle whatever comes next.

You are not alone. Reach out for support often and early.

Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Health Support.

1800 512 348.

Lifeline. Crisis Support.

13 11 14.

Rainbow Door. LGBTIQA+ Support.

1800 729 367.

Support Act. Arts worker support.

1800 959 500.