COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. The systems we used to rely on are no longer serving us like they used to. At the beginning, most of us probably worried about the financial and physical impacts. With millions of Americans stuck inside and out of work, those concerns were clear.
However, as time has passed, it’s become clear that there are significant mental and emotional challenges as well. The best way to fight social isolation, while still following social distancing guidelines, is by staying connected with the people in your life.
These days, we recognize just how many social interactions fill our daily routines. We chat with coworkers, greet our neighbors, exchange small talk with strangers, and spend quality time with friends and family. Now, with these options off the table, we need to find new ways to connect. Tools like Skype and Zoom have become lifelines, but they come with their own set of issues.
We’ve learned that online connections don’t quite measure up to face-to-face interactions, often adding stress and anxiety over time. While staying connected online is important, spending too much time on video calls can also be overwhelming.
Talking to friends, family, and coworkers can bring a sense of normalcy, but we’ve all faced stress and might have even lost loved ones due to COVID-19. Even if we haven’t experienced a personal loss, just being uprooted from our routines can cause anxiety. One effective way to handle such stress is through professional therapy.
Many websites connect people with licensed therapists, providing the help needed. Online therapy has grown in popularity, especially as it’s the only option for some during the pandemic. With improved features and a smoother process, online therapy is a valuable way to cope with the stress and trauma heightened by the current crisis.
Online therapy can also connect you with support groups that fit your specific needs. A therapist may recommend one-on-one sessions to address personal issues before joining a group. This can help ensure that everyone in the group is prepared to support each other and work together effectively.
In group therapy sessions, you’ll find others dealing with similar challenges. Together, you can develop strategies to manage day-to-day struggles. Group therapy is beneficial for a variety of issues, and during the pandemic, many can relate to the anxieties of staying indoors and facing uncertainty.
Other mental and emotional problems can also arise during times like these, but with online therapy, you aren’t limited to local support. Your therapist can connect you with people who have similar needs, helping everyone build resilience and develop coping skills.
Many of us are either unemployed, working fewer hours, or facing financial difficulties, and therapy might seem like an unaffordable option. In-person therapy can cost between $50 and $150 per session, which adds up quickly. Fortunately, online services like BetterHelp.com offer support at a lower weekly cost than traditional therapy sessions.
No matter what challenges you’re facing during these tough times, remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends and family, stay connected, and if needed, seek professional help. This way, when the pandemic ends and life returns to normal, you’ll be in a better place to resume your daily life.