You may not realize it, but right now, you or someone you love is being traumatized by the COVID-19 situation. Increased stress and panic is mirrored in traumatic situations. Once the crisis calms down you will notice that this event will leave a lasting impression on your mental health. You may continue to feel that you are under threat or you may even develop a complex stress response. This may include avoiding social situations, believing that the world is a dangerous place, and you may completely change your behaviors. No matter what happens—the aftershock of the stress caused by COVID-19 will be enough to send many people into therapy.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that serves a specific purpose. However, prolonged exposure to high intensity stress (like a pandemic) triggers a continuous release of cortisol into our system. Too much cortisol can actually cause inflammation in the body resulting in individuals feeling sore and/or tired. Working with a somatic focused trauma therapist results in re-calibrating your nervous system and endocrine system. This has helped to reduce Cortisol levels overall. Teens may begin to experiment with opiates or other pain medication due to the bodily discomfort caused by stress.
You may start to notice tension and discomfort spreading across your body throughout this COVID-19 process. That discomfort is enough to leave you feeling as though you are on edge and you may feel highly irritable. This is a common response to stressful and traumatic situations. Working with an expert therapist can help to shift perceptions leaving you feeling safe and healed. Children will especially be impacted by this as evidenced by night terrors, regression to old behaviors, and clinging to care givers.
One major factor that helps people to survive traumatic events is when they are surrounded by lots of social support. Unfortunately, many of us have been forced to socially distance ourselves. For individuals already living with depression or anxiety this could lead to unhealthy social isolation. One may fall into a dark mood, lose motivation, feel hopeless, or even contemplate suicide. Humans are social creatures and we become self-regulated around the safe people we know and trust. Isolating ourselves prevents us from enjoying the natural connection we share with others.
No matter what you are experiencing right now or what you experience after COVID-19, I am here to support. I have immediate openings in-person or via secure video-based counseling. I am devoted to helping you bounce back from this!
www.noblepathcc.com
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