We are still in a crisis, in case people have been telling you otherwise.

I just wrapped up another amazing session with an amazing person, who is truly doing their best to manage EVERYTHING they are dealing with ON TOP OF what they're dealing with because we are in a pandemic. Many of us are experiencing a level of isolation that we are not accustomed to, and it is taking a toll. After all, we have been living that pandemic life for eight months!

So I thought it might be helpful to remind you, in case no one has recently, that we are still experiencing a pandemic. The number of cases is currently rising. This does not mean you need to panic. It does not mean your anxiety needs to increase. But it is understandable if your functioning differently than you are used to, and if the ways that manage do not seem as effective as they used to. Each and every one of us has been affected by this public health crisis--whether we all recognize that or not.

Because we are dealing with unprecedented (I know, I know--you're probably tired of that word) difficulties on top of the challenges we were already managing, you may find yourself feeling extra tired, extra irritable, extra forgetful, or extra depressed. That is not absurd, and you are not doing something wrong; it is a completely valid emotional response to a real and present crisis happening all over the world.

I saw this wonderful checklist for self-care that I wanted to share with you, because it is sensible and practical. It's extra important for us to be kind to ourselves during this crisis. It's extra important to have support for the emotional and mental strain we may be experiencing. Navigate is here to assist you with the support piece. When stressors increase, so should our forms of support, coping, and outlets (though that isn't always the way things happen, and I know that, and it's okay).

Reach out if you need some extra support. If you see that someone is struggling, share the link for Navigate, or lend an ear yourself (if you're in the right headspace and heartspace to do so). We will get through this together!