In the last couple of weeks, I have written articles and spoken to colleagues about how to best take care of your mental health during this period of the coronavirus pandemic. I shared tips and strategies for coping with feelings of loneliness and isolation due to coronavirus, how to manage your anxiety during this difficult time, and what mental health resources are accessible to you to help with your mental health and well being. This is the least I can do to help you and my colleagues while we’re all doing our best to adjust to a “new normal” or a lifestyle accounting for COVID-19.
Honestly, these contributions are also just as important for my own mental health and sense of well being. I am not immune to the negative impact of the decreased sense of control and stability I have in my life. So, I want to take this week to write about how I, as a psychologist in New York City, the “epicenter” of the pandemic in the U.S., have been coping with the changes in my personal and professional life due to coronavirus. Above all, my hope is that by sharing more of my personal experiences, you can feel less alone and we can keep engaging together.
How Coronavirus Has Changed my Work and Personal Life: A Therapist Account - Dr. Yoon NYC
What Happened to My Therapy Practice because of COVID-19
Even before official guidelines from the Governor of New York were put into effect to self-quarantine and practice social distancing, I took the lead from most of my clients who were directed to work from home, preferred not to travel, and were seeking alternatives to in-person psychotherapy sessions. Because I have remote teletherapy capabilities, I was more than happy to accommodate and conduct remote psychotherapy sessions with my clients from my office. A couple of clients trickled into my Midtown office in person but within a matter of two days, things quickly changed and my practice became a full time remote teletherapy psychotherapy practice. I’ve been doing so for two weeks now.
I now meet with all of my clients and prospective clients using a secure HIPAA-compliant telemedicine video system. I’m often asked how the adjustment has been. Honestly, it has been pretty smooth. Moreover, because my priority is to continue supporting my clients, the change in modality (from in person to virtual) is less of a concern. Given how little face to face contact I’m having these days with most people, with the exception of my partner and the random strangers I pass on my appropriately distanced walks on the street, it is a pleasure to see my clients’ familiar faces on the screen! In fact, it has been an interesting experience to peer into a little screen version of their homes. Rather than relying on the familiarity of the couches, lamps, and art work of my Midtown Manhattan office, my clients and I are getting used to new snapshot scenes of wherever we are connecting from any given day. I have been impressed by and so grateful for the flexibility and adaptability of the technology as well as my clients to this transition.
Furthermore, I am heartened by the resilience of my clients. They’re rolling with the punches, we are managing to find ways to laugh together (like when we agree we’re so sick of only getting to walk around our respective neighborhood blocks because what the hell else are we supposed to do?!), and we are trading activities that might be helpful to cure boredom. I have always valued and prioritized cultivating a mutual partnership with my clients but I feel it existing between us in a whole different way as we navigate this crisis together.
More so than anything else, my goal is to remain a stable support and be one consistent part of their lives when so much is inconsistent and constantly changing and unpredictable.
A Day-in-My-Life as a Psychotherapist Who Has Been Self-Quarantining During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Firstly, I still wake up everyday at the same time. I am a morning person so I am more than happy to maintain my morning routine which consists of journaling, meditating for at least 15 minutes, and drinking some caffeinated beverage. In fact, doing so is almost a non-negotiable for my wellbeing so that’s why I’ve made it a point to keep it the same. Additionally, I’ve been managing to get some form of physical activity in - whether it’s walking outside, doing some at-home workout video, or going for a run first thing before I get to other activities.
Next, I’ve continued to maintain designated work days during the week. I find this is essential to maintaining my best work, reducing potential burnout, and being the most productive. On these work days, I’ll complete writing projects (like this one), meet for virtual therapy sessions with clients, and/or engage in consultation or marketing projects.
Now, on the days I am not working, I get as much fresh air as possible, I cook, and I call or Facetime friends and family.
I have begun accumulating a list of observations and thoughts. Here are some examples:
Some things I’ve noticed as a result of self-isolating during COVID-19:
Not commuting into the city is awesome.
I have been able to reconnect with friends in such a meaningful way because this social distancing has challenged me to do so. I have spoken to certain people more in the last two weeks than I have over the course of a year.
When I walk in the neighborhood, I love seeing people sitting on their stoops and having conversations with their neighbors from afar. I can’t help but think that certain people are getting more connected to each other as a result of this.
There is a collective sense of community I feel a part of because we’re all in this together. I am so appreciative of the first responders, workers who are deemed essential and are braving travel and in-person contact with others, and people in leadership positions who are doing their best to help their respective communities.
Let’s Love Our Community. Photo Credit
I won’t lie. I have had my neurotic moments of questioning “what the hell is this tickle in my throat?” and being totally over the fact that I can’t just go and see my friends or family members in person. Because all this isn’t easy, I rely on doing what I can do and like to do (such as my morning routine and talking to friends via FaceTime or phone) and helping clients and others in need.
Additionally, a regular gratitude practice has been clutch these days. So I’ll end with three things I’m grateful for.
Three things I am grateful for today:
I am grateful to you, reader, for engaging with me.
I am grateful to those who are working around the clock to find solutions to these problems we’re facing.
I am grateful for my ability to be there for others (friends, family, and clients).
I am here for you
To those of you who read this: Know that there are people who are available and more than happy to support you through this challenging time. There is no problem too small or big that warrants you reaching out to get help for your mental and emotional health.
If you need help with managing your anxiety, coping with stress, or problem-solving through career or job issues, contact me to begin teletherapy. I’d love to hear how I can help you. Also, feel free to email me with any topics you’d like me to address in the coming weeks.
Be safe and well!