How to Feel All of Your Pandemic-Triggered Feelings

For many of us, the pandemic has triggered a tornado of emotions. And we can’t rely on our usual self-care practices to pull us through, which can make us feel even more overwhelmed and disoriented. The pandemic can lead past traumas to resurface. Some of Amber Petrozziello’s clients have been reminded of being unable to leave their homes while struggling with debilitating depression. Another client reported feeling similar feelings today—isolated, trapped, and disconnected from others—as they felt during several stressful inpatient treatments. All of us are also “experiencing a collective trauma and grief,” said Petrozziello, MHC-LP, who practices at Empower your Mind Therapy in New York City. We might be grieving the loss of individuals who’ve passed away and grieving for individuals who’ve had to work during this time, she said. We might be grieving the loss of our old routines and comforting activities. “Everything is changing…and there is plenty of uncertainty and fear in the air,” which creates “a sense of despair and helplessness,” Petrozziello said. Consequently, the pandemic can stir up emotions of “depersonalization, derealization, and dissociation.” Plus, the pandemic can spark contradictory feelings. These can be feelings of shock, fear, guilt, anger, blame, and sadness—and feelings of happiness, hope, and gratitude, said Laura Torres, LPC, a psychotherapist in private practice in Asheville, N.C. So, how do you feel all these feeli...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: General Grief and Loss Mental Health and Wellness Self-Help Stress coronavirus COVID-19 Worry Source Type: blogs