We are engaged in a war. Not a typical war where an enemy is clearly identifiable. We're up against an invisible enemy: the Covid-19 virus. The conflict requires something unique and brutally wrenching from its civilians: isolation and physical disconnection. The collective life force has been stopped dead in its tracks now for over a year. Society's mental wellness clearly has declined, … [Read more...]
Agoraphobia on the pandemic home front
We are told to stay at home. This is not only an order. These are the wisest of words of caution, as the coronavirus continues to ravage our planet. A stay-at-home order certainly is bearable for a period of time. But here we are in 2021: The weeks have turned into months and now we're at the one-year mark. Still cooped up. Tensions are rising in our homes. Moods have become unstable; … [Read more...]
Fear can save your life — or ruin it
Fear is a strange and curious companion that we all encounter most days, to greater or lesser degrees. Touted in various articles and ads as an achievable goal is a state of "fearlessness." A noble quest. Fear as something to be conquered. The slogan goes something like, "Once you have conquered fear, you will reach the highest heights, overcome all manner of phobias. Get the guy; get the … [Read more...]
Taking the panic out of pandemic
The word pandemic conjures up a host of overwhelming thoughts and feelings. The idea that a virus could be so enormous, so powerful, that it would pose a global threat is something only imagined in movies and sci-fi novels ... until now. While history shows us that numerous parts of the world previously suffered life-threatening and life-taking viruses, this is the first time in this … [Read more...]
How triggers from the past haunt the present
Back in the day there was a famous horse named Trigger. He was a 15-hand palomino rode by cowboy star Roy Rogers. Times have changed just a little! Today the word “trigger” has been repurposed and embraced by the therapeutic community. It has complex meanings and interpretations, but usually refers to reactions and feelings activated in the present but relating to the past. Triggers may … [Read more...]