Thank You
You know that Natalie Merchant song that’s about gratitude? It’s running through my head right now. Why?
Because I’m feeling grateful right now not just to my family and friends, but also to my patient families.
We are living in unprecedented times. We keep hearing that but it’s true. And in these unprecedented times when we may be feeling isolated, angry, anxious, sad, frustrated, or all of the above, we need to talk about what’s happening.
I had this realization right now—that I’m grateful to my little patients but also to my teen patients and also to my patients’ parents and guardians who have helped me process what is going on right now. We talk about schools, about the shut down, about the masks, about many different aspects of what’s going on. And I like hearing what’s going on in my community.
I’m processing a lot. And I’m grateful to have this wonderful job that brings you to my life, and brings me to your life, and walking this very unprecedented pandemic time together.
This also brings me to the topic of discussing things with your children. There are so many ways in which I see my two girls coping with what is going on. Sometimes I think they are okay, and other times everything boils over.
Little Lion is more clingy, is reading a TON, is playing video games, and misses her friends and teachers oh so much.
Mini Me is sometimes irritable, having a hard to time focusing on the things she loves to do (like writing!), is playing video games, and also misses all her friends, especially as they are all going to different high schools next year.
And Mr. Bookworm is mostly at home, working from here, and also taking care of our girls and also processing the same crazy new normal that I am. (While being the always steadfast, supportive, loving, and calming person that he always is.)
We make allowances for outburts and snaps, but we are also trying to discuss what the root cause of all of it is.
There is a lot of reassuring going on.
And, I’m trying harder to focus on the gratitude and the positivity in the face of this unknown future.
It helps, even just a little bit.
So thank you for listening, for sharing, for the acknowledgement that we are in this together.
And, if you or your loved one is overwhelmed by what is going on, please seek help. One silver lining of the pandemic is that therapists and counselors are busier than ever. That, to me, means that there is an overall acceptance of mental health care and self care. And it couldn’t come at a more opportune time.
For more support or info:
CHOC Childrens blogpost specifically about the pandemic and mental health
CHOC Chldrens and Mental Illness
CHOC Childrens regarding Suicide and Kids
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
NotOkApp —a free mental health app
