Life is tough right now for most everyone. It can be hard to nail down exactly how we are doing. And our mental state/mood can shift. How we function today may be different from yesterday, or tomorrow. Just know that it is ALL normal.
I came across this useful graphic to help discern how one is doing, and thought I would share it.
Because so many of us are struggling right now, it might be helpful to reach in to friends, family and colleagues. The next few months are going to be uniquely hard. Checking in periodically with others could make a big difference in someone’s day. Here is some advice from psychologist Kathryn Gordon on how to be there for others.
“Ask them how they are feeling. Then, listen non-judgmentally to their response. The simple act of asking someone how they’re doing, with an open-ended question, shows that you care. Listen attentively rather than interrupting or offering your opinion. Ask simple follow-up questions like, “What does that feel like?” or “What has been on your mind as you’re going through this?” This communicates that you genuinely want to know how they’re doing and feel comfortable hearing the truth.”
I, like many others, have found it difficult to do much beyond the basic necessities of life. Showing up daily for my clients, taking care of our dogs, and alongside my partner, doing the basic administration of life is about the best I have been able to muster. I hope to be back to blogging soon, with a series on how to make amends. Until then, hang in there.