03/25/2020
Here's a brief article I wrote for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Pandemics can create panic but what we want is peace. Here's how to stay calm in the Corona storm.
March 15th of this year was D day for Orlando. That’s the day Disney closed. That never happens. I have NEVER seen anything like what we are experiencing in my 62 years on the planet and I’m sure many of you feel the same. The uncertainty of the future is creating a great deal of anxiety for many and the fear of what is happening all around us can be crippling. Thankfully there are several resources available to us as business owners financially through various agencies but I want to help you with the emotional aspects of this current crisis. Here are some things to practice for your emotional health. Practicing these tips will help you to stay CALM in the storm.
Control The Controllables. Many people make their problems worse by how they handle the original problem. They can become very angry and frustrated trying to control things they cannot control like the latest shortages and restrictions. Your situation is bad enough without creating more negative emotions for yourself. Learn to control these emotions by self calming exercises like breathing, meditation, mindfulness among others. If you would like some breathing exercises, you can email my wife at sandydrenner.com or do a search. Then ask yourself, “what can I do today to improve or help my situation? For some of us, it is to stay home! So, is it time to read or organize or some other project to help you feel like you are making some progress? This is the practical on controlling the controllables.
Acceptance. Acceptance means to embrace things as they are, not as they should be. Acceptance brings serenity whereas lack of acceptance creates anxiety. If you do not accept the current economic climate you will be easily overwhelmed by a myriad of negative emotions. Acceptance does not mean that you like the situation but helps the individual come to peace during the crisis. Resist the temptation of questioning why? Acceptance focuses on now instead of the past or the future.
Live. Make the most of this situation. Your business may be shut down but life does not need to shut down If you are waiting to be happy until the crisis is over you will miss many great opportunities. This crisis is an excellent opportunity to make a plan for the future, spend more time with friends and family, participate in hobbies and finish projects. Making the most of the time will help bring some much needed happiness into your life. Don’t wait until the crisis is over to enjoy life.
Manage emotions. The worst economic time we have ever experienced can create some very difficult emotions that improperly addressed can cause great harm. Taking them out on those around you will only damage relationships. Medicating them with drugs or alcohol will only exacerbate them in the long run. The best way to manage your emotions is to talk them out with someone. Journaling is also a good way to get them out. Remember, whatever emotions you bury you bury alive. Like Zombies they will rise at the worst possible time. Internalizing emotions is not good for your mental, emotional or physical health. Talking about emotions does not change the situation but it can change your emotional state.
We are fortunate as a community to have a great deal of resources financially and also emotionally. For those who need more than just emotional first aide there are many therapists in the local area that can help. You can find one by using the website www.psychologytoday. This website will provide profiles of local therapists as well as what issues they address, their fees and what insurances they take.
We at MTC Counseling are committed to doing whatever we can to help the community get through this difficult time. If you would like more information about our services, please check out our website, www.mtccounseling.com and my wife’s website, sandydrenner.com. Our tagline is changing obstacles into opportunities. We believe we can progress even in unusual and difficult times. We are glad to be a resource for anyone who may be in need of emotional support.
Monte Drenner, LMHC, MCAP
