What an unsettled and surreal time we’re living in - it seems every day brings news of further challenges and restrictions. Every single person in the country is affected, nobody’s life is being left unchanged. But for those who were already coping with a chronic health challenge, things are even tougher.
So my first message to you is this:
It’s ok to feel that this is unfair, and that the focus on Covid-19 is overshadowing your own existing health difficulties. It’s ok to want to scream and shout that you need more help than others and that you’re scared. And it’s ok to feel overwhelmed about how you’re going to cope.
But my second message to you is to reassure you that your support network still wants to help and support you. They might just be a little caught up in their own challenges at the moment, so you might need to ask for that help a little more firmly than before. Whether that be your family and loved ones, online friends - or your colleagues.
Your basic approaches should remain the same:
- finding smart ways to balance out your energy throughout the day
- ensuring those around you know how important it is for you to have the space to do this
- securing enough quiet time for yourself each day
- trying to stay as calm as possible.
However, I know that for many that these basic approaches can be tough on even the best of days. So, throw in the additional challenge of managing a houseful of family members who are self-isolating, and all of your careful pacing and self-management could go out of the window. Perhaps you aren’t impacted by that specific example - but it’s highly likely that there’s something new getting in the way.
So, my advice to you is to remember what worked for you before and be strong and clear with those around you. Tell them that you need the space and time to continue with your self-care routine. I’m sure they want you to be strong and well as much as you do! And they could simply be so caught up with their own stuff at the moment to have considered how you’re feeling. So make them. And once you have their attention, you can discuss what you need.
If you hadn’t got to the stage where you’d found a solid way of coping yet, keep trying. Even small adjustments can make a big difference. The basics I outline above are absolutely the solid foundation you need to build. If you don’t know where to start, or are finding it too difficult, I’m here to help. Visit my website if you haven’t already, and get in touch if you’d like a quick chat about how I can support you.
Take care. We are all so much more resourceful than we give ourselves credit for. You’ve made it this far and with the right support of those around you (or a broader support network) you can get through this.
Stay safe,
Pamela