Page 8 - Boca ViewPointe - June '20
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Page 8, Viewpointe June 2020
Ask The Therapist
Life On Hold realize it or not. And, of course there is nothing more necessary have learned to enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.
Fortunately, most people have survivor skills whether they
Other stories of neighbors helping neighbors, showing
By Elaine S Rubinson, to survival than food. People, who have long relied on eating caring and reaching out to others are also reported. We hear of
L.M.H.C. out, take out or fast food now have the time to re visit their donating and volunteering at food banks. Many share cooked
kitchens and hone their culinary skills. They proudly describe dishes with friends and neighbors. Some offer friendly calling
Therapists discuss the many delicious dinners they have cooked, the cookies, cakes and reaching out to people alone. It’s delightful to hear about
the effect of the and other delicacies they have baked and, of course how they those who share their talents of singing, playing instruments
enjoy sitting down with the entire family to dine together.
and entertaining their neighbors on their balconies, front steps
Pandemic on their The desire to affiliate is another basic survival need. or driveways.
Patients Reaching out to loved ones, old friends, new friends, anyone And we hear how others rediscover a past hobby or skill.
we can call to say “Hello, I’m thinking of you” is greatly Some are picking up unfinished projects, like woodworking,
As a Therapist, I have encouraged. Once shy, we hear how many are making that call crafts, art or needle work and getting much pleasure from
continued meeting with and getting positive reinforcements by the friendly response seeing their work completed. Others are taking the time to learn
my Patients after Covid 19 they receive. A goal of at least one or two calls a day helps to something new, or taking courses online or listening to podcasts.
became a threat and everyone was told to stay at home. Similar motivate many clients to enjoy a welcome chat. One of the most encouraging remarks made from one of my
to all normal activities, our sessions had to adjust to life in the Helping many to survive this pandemic is media and clients was how she was able to learn to appreciate her Husband.
times of Corona, and we now meet via Telehealth. This means technology. Compared to earlier times, when the digital age Having been “locked in the cabin” together for endless hours
no one comes to the office and Therapy sessions are held via was not as developed, we are so fortunate these devices are with a partner, many have the choice of “killing them or loving
Phone, and face time. Fortunately, all insurance carriers approve available, and have become necessary and perhaps the only them”. This 12/7 now can allow the couple to get in touch with
these sessions, some are waiving co pays, and enabling Patient’s means to stay in touch. Phones, computers and I Pads connect why they partnered in the first place. They are presented with
to continue as they left off before the pandemic. us to Face Time, Zoom, Face Book, messaging and other the challenge to focus on more positive rather than negative
During a recent monthly Staff meeting via Zoom with communication sites. Many Patients, who once were fearful traits and behaviors. They have the opportunity to give up old
my colleagues, where we typically discuss clinical and and shunned these methods, now are determined to learn how resentments or unreasonable expectations in order to work out
administrative issues, we were able to share observations to use these programs, thus enabling them to reach out more a more harmonious co-existence.
during our Telehealth sessions. What became evident, was expansively. After making their first successful connection, they Certainly, those of us who ascribe to the adage that, “If life
that the pandemic created a unique set of challenges. Patients report a new sense of accomplishment and confidence. gives you a lemon, make lemonade’’ have found ways to adjust.
who initially sought therapy because of depression, anxiety, We have always encouraged physical exercise and workouts But, not everyone can easily adapt to these stressful times.
stress, loneliness, grief and situational problems have increased for those suffering from depression and other mental illnesses. Therapists are called on to provide guidance and support to those
symptoms, now with added stressors. As of this writing, mostly It now becomes vital that everyone develop a regular schedule with difficulty or struggling with realistic problems and losses.
everyone has to stay home, many with entire families sharing to get outdoors to take a walk or run. If unable to go out, create We examine our client’s issues and guide them in ways that are
limited quarters. Working Spouses or Significant Others, an exercise space in your home for a regular workout. There helpful to their personal needs. There are many Therapeutic
whose togetherness patterns previously was just evenings and are many sites available for exercise programs on media to tools and methods to help patients cope and empower their lives
weekends are now with each other 24/7. Others are entirely enable one to virtually socialize with an Instructor and other including mindfulness, meditation, cognitive restructuring as
alone, often without another person to be with for weeks. participants while getting a beneficial cardio workout. well as having consistent support in these unknown, unsettled
Many face financial stress caused by unemployment and closed During the weeks of the stay at home order, an interesting, times.
businesses. Issues that originally brought them into Therapy positive reaction has occurred. Therapists report hearing how Within the weeks to come, restrictions will be relaxing
now seem exaggerated, resulting in increased symptoms. people have adapted to the new normal and have created and we will be able to venture out and visit previously closed
Families face home schooling situations and Parents are innovative ways of surviving. Students, so disappointed with businesses, sites and activities. Without a vaccine to inoculate us
charged with the task of closely monitoring assignments as not having traditional proms, graduations and parties have found against this deadly and costly virus, it is with the utmost caution
well as providing activities to keep children engaged. Tempers, creative ways to celebrate. Savvy with technology, they have we go forth, one toe into the water at a time. The reminder that
housekeeping and personal space issues erupt easily. arranged online ceremonies, parties and get-togethers. Doorstop there have been many fatalities prompt a plea to be extremely
Couples working at home together also struggle with visits, drive by and Drive-in rallies are some of their ways to careful, wear your masks, wash your hands and don’t take
respecting personal space and schedules, being sensitive to their capture memories of a very unique and once feared lost year. any unnecessary risks. For those who have been able to be
partners’ different needs and conflicts over household chores. Many report spending time on at home projects which have introspective and have learned new and more positive things
Single people, many of them Senior Citizens without daily been avoided for many years. We hear, with satisfied tones, how about yourself, you can now take with you into the “new norm”
jobs, nor having regular activities to keep them occupied during a closet, garage, basement, attic have been cleaned and sorted a wiser and better understanding of self, rekindled friendships,
the day, find themselves truly isolated. When once they may out. We hear about long lost treasures found and a sense of new skills, a cleaner home, and so much gratitude that you
have developed a satisfying life style of volunteering, card or accomplishment when the task has been completed. survived. BE SAFE, BE HEALTHY.
game playing, shopping, visiting, attending religious services, Others tell how they are finally giving themselves
recreation centers and clubs, now are unable to continue. In permission to yield to once dreaded unscheduled hours. They Elaine S. Rubinson, L.M.H.C. is a Licensed Psychotherapist
addition the warning about the elderly being vulnerable and at are now relaxing, reading, meditating, watching TV or just and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Elder Law
risk keeps them more cautious to allow housekeepers or repair doing nothing without feeling guilty or a nagging urge of a Mediator with a practice in Boca Raton. She can be contacted
men into their home. They even restrict their outings to the “should” to do something productive. They report that they at er@northstar-centre.com.
Super Markets.
To First line Workers; Nurses, Doctors, Medics, Hospital
and Ambulance staff, and all who are there for us during
emergencies, we express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt Norbert Graber, R. Ph.
appreciation while recognizing the risk and stress they are and Lynn Graber, R. Ph.
enduring. This also includes employees at Super Markets,
Pharmacies and other open vital businesses who are enabling
our limited outings to be bearable.
Other examples of Life on Hold affect restrictions against
visiting the sick, parents, grandparents and other family
members. Canceling and missing once-in-a-life-time occasions
including graduations, weddings, proms, funerals and other
special birthday, anniversary and celebratory events cause deep
disappointments
So as a result of the change and disruption in our patient’s
lifestyle, Therapists are called on to respond to patient’s reports
of their emotional states. Symptoms of panic and anxiety attacks,
depression, anger and resentment are some of their voiced
complaints. Added to this is the reality of their loss of routine,
finances, dealing with the unknown, feelings of confinement and
increased togetherness, the negative impact of the ever-ending
news and uncertainty of the future challenges Therapists.
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