Like most people, the pandemic took a toll on many. People from all around the world were challenged to evaluate their mental and emotional endurance during COVID-19. They had discovered that they were experiencing mental illness. In their discovery, they understood it’s not easy to adjust to mental illness; for most, it’s a challenge. The challenge includes emotional struggles. As an example, they may feel depressed about their loss of function, terrified that they’ll slip further into mental and emotional disability, envious of those who are living their best lives, and ashamed of their limitations. Therefore, they are angry that they can’t find a solution. These feelings are normal and understandable as new realities are faced and an uncertain future.
While some are recovering from the impact of COVID-19, the crisis will go down in history as the worst time in their lives. Though many continue to live with daily symptoms and limitations. The struggles they had in coping with mental illness are similar to those I’ve witnessed in loved ones who experienced long-term mental health problems. For many, the hardest part of adapting to an illness is the loss of identity. It can be hard to recognize the person you’ve become due to a longstanding mental illness. Those struggling are not used to having weaknesses and limitations be so apparent. They remember themselves as full of energy, but I now need a nap every day, a quiet space to think, and often have to turn down invitations from friends and family because they don’t feel like socializing. It’s painful
and disorienting to lose the person we’ve known or always been.
Part of coping with mental illness is accepting the “new you.” Therefore, many have grieved who they used to be to embrace who they are now. With that said, it’s important to understand that we can grieve any loss, including our mental health. Allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness that come up for you. Mental illness costs us a lot, and it’s OK to mourn those losses.
Speaking of mental illness coming at a cost, you may consider seeking a professional counselor to help you cope with your mental illness. The convenience of an online counselor can help aid you in giving yourself permission to grieve. Having an Online Christian Counselor will help you find a deep appreciation for yourself as you work through steps towards finding a deeper appreciation. Finding a deep appreciation for life doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge our grief, anger, and sadness. There’s a time for everything and for every emotion we feel. If you’re angry about the injustice of it all, let yourself feel those emotions. If you feel like crying, allow yourself to weep. Being open to your emotions allows them to flow through, rather than being bottled up inside and then emerging in unhealthy ways.
Accepting mental illness doesn’t mean we have to like it or prefer it, but we acknowledge that this is where we find ourselves. We can include in our acceptance the frustration we feel at times, acknowledging that we’re heartbroken or furious. Acceptance is a real and raw response to reality, not pretending we’re indifferent to our situation.
If you are interested in pursuing online Christian Counseling, connect via telephone by calling NuWell Counseling Services. Their Team of online Christian Counselors specializes in a variety of mental illnesses. Without judgment, we’re here to support you and to watch you THRIVE! This is your chance to embrace your new self – NuWell Counseling Services, online Christian Counselors, is the direction to take!
