being empowered
Checking in today with myself and with you all. I think it's easy to get lost in all the chaos and (mis)information that we are consuming from different resources related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It can bring up a mix of emotions that can lead to some very unhelpful reactions.
We can all feel empowered by being informed about the current situation from reputable resources and take responsible action collectively to decrease/slow the spread of the disease to support overwhelmed hospitals and the most vulnerable people who are being impacted by COVID-19.
For me, taking an empowering position in the midst of the current situation has looked like this:
Acknowledging and expressing my fears and anxieties with loved ones
Staying up to date about the COVID-19 from reputable resources
Setting boundaries around how long/how much I am consuming information
Connecting with loved ones even if it means it's a facetime session or a phone call to express care and concern
Continuing to engage in enjoyable activities (i.e. personal therapy, reading, writing, watching movies, playing games with my kids, spending quality time with loved ones, etc.)
Taking care of my physical health and exercising
Being intentional about keeping my environment sanitary and practicing good hygiene practices
Offering telehealth videoconference sessions for all my clients at my practice to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease potentially
Waiving cancellation fees related to illness or exposure to illness
Adjusting my financial budget and spending practices to match the current changes
Taking the time to educate my children about the disease and the importance of hygiene
Being more intentional about the activities we participate in
Minimizing unnecessary travel to avoid being infected by the disease and/or transmitting the disease to others
What has it meant for you to take on an empowering position in the midst of the impact of COVID-19?
Hatty J. Lee, LMFT (she/her) is an Asian American licensed marriage and family therapist and brainspotting practitioner who has been practicing for 14 years in community mental health settings, schools, and private practice virtually across California and in-person in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California. As the founder and clinical director of a group practice called Oak and Stone Therapy in Los Angeles, CA, she trains clinicians and supports people to deepen their relationship with themselves and the most important people in their lives. She writes about mental health on her Instagram and is the co-author of The Indwell Guide that integrates visual storytelling, mental health education, and practical tools to support people to heal and thrive.
