“Seeing” a Therapist in a World of Social Distancing & Why It’s More Important than Ever

The new and novel Coronavirus has forced entire states and cities into isolation, with government-mandated lockdowns and suggested self-quarantines in place almost ubiquitously. Since we now live in a world where “social distancing” is our reality, most of us are no longer seeing our friends and family outside of FaceTime or Zoom. Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high…and rising, as people grow more and more isolated. Now, more than ever, it is important to maintain contact with your therapist (virtually, of course)!

You may have lost a job and are trying to cut expenses. You may be in a high-risk category and filled with fear about the “what if’s” of the virus. You may still have to go to work as an essential employee, putting yourself at risk day in and day out. Whatever you are feeling during these unsettling times, one thing rings true: therapy can help.

Here are three ways your therapist can help you—mentally and emotionally—through the Coronavirus crisis:

1. Your therapist knows you and your personal needs. You have an intimate relationship with your therapist. He or she knows what you need at a time when the world is unpredictable, and the future seems shaky. Your therapist will be there to help you navigate through the uncertainties of this time.

2. Your therapist can help you feel supported. You may be feeling alone, since you have less contact than usual with your regular social circle. Your therapist is an additional person to lean on.

3. Your therapist has professional training for dealing with situations like this. Isolation increases anxiety and depression for many, so your therapist will be able to give you healthy strategies for coping with any negative feelings or maladaptive behaviors that arise.

At Creative Counseling Center, we believe continuity of care is crucial, which is why we have a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform our therapists use to conduct sessions remotely, regardless of our client’s age. If you or a family member have been exposed to the virus or are otherwise self-isolating, remote sessions with your therapist can make all the difference in the world by keeping your support network in place during these uncertain times.

Beyond maintaining appointments with your therapist, there are many free online resources available to help those struggling with depression or anxiety. In addition to regular appointments with your therapist, we recommend the following online resources as enhancements to the counseling you’re already doing:

1. Psychology Today

2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a confidential, free, 24/7/365 information service.

3. MentalHealth.gov

Are you feeling sad and lonely during this pandemic? You are not alone. Millions of people deal with depressive disorders each year and now, more than ever, anxieties are skyrocketing. Creative Counseling Center is here for you. We have a team of the best counselors in the Denver metro area, each accepting new clients. We help people just like you with a variety of mental health struggles.

We also invite you to download our free guide “10 Ways to Reduce Anxiety” today and learn some easy-to-implement strategies to manage your anxiety now and in the future.