By Colin Casper, LMHC

A lot is going on right now with the COVID-19, and it seems like it is creating a lot of anxiety and worry in regards to health, finances, relationships, etc. Is it really creating anxiety or just revealing what already exists beneath the surface? We can often arrange our lives in a way to cover up our fears, and we are addicted to control. As a part of my counseling training, I was required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon meetings. I found it interesting in the meetings that the family members of alcoholics typically liked the alcoholic in their life better when they were drinking. Why? The real person is revealed when they don’t have the alcohol to cover up whatever they’re using alcohol to cope for. We use control to cover a lot of what we are dealing with and pretend everything is ok. If I can make sure that I only have to spend this much time with my family, If I can bring in this much income, if I can keep everyone happy, if I can make sure to follow this routine, or have this job, etc. I am fine.

The temptation in a time like this is to think that if everything would just go back to normal, then my issues would go away. The truth is, just like the alcoholic, if control and comfort are regained, the issues just get hidden beneath the surface again and guess what shows up the next time we don’t have control? You guessed it, those same issues. So, in all reality, right now is an opportunity to get help while our issues are exposed because of our fear and anxiety. 

The Bible informs us that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Lions separate the weak from the pack. Now, more than any time in my life, I am seeing Christians vulnerable and isolated. With many churches canceling Sunday services and small groups, it is important to keep in contact with our spiritual packs. 

Here are some tips to protect ourselves and grow spiritually and mentally during this time:

1. Make sure that you are facing what you are experiencing, and do not write it off as just a side effect of the situation we are in. Fear reveals areas in which we do not trust our Father. 

2. Connect with family members. This is a time when new routines and traditions can be started. 

3. Remain connected to your spiritual body. One of the primary purposes of the local church gathering is to encourage one another. If this is removed from the equation, things can seem grim. Schedule times to talk with spiritual brothers and sisters about what you are reading or what Jesus is doing in your life. 

4. Take advantage of your mental health being exposed. At CCST, we offer a virtual counseling option. This means that you can work with a professional though some of the difficulties that you may be experiencing from the comfort of your own home or office. 

5. Some of the benefits to online counseling are:

   1. No risk of catching or spreading illness by following the CDC guidelines on social distancing

   2. No travel time by avoiding the counseling office setting

   3.  It makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere through a computer, smartphone, or tablet

   4.  Easy access even if you do not live in our area

6.   Online counseling is not the right solution for you if any of the following is true:

   1. You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others

   2. You are in an urgent crisis or an emergency situation

   3. You do not have a device that can connect to the Internet or reliable Internet connection

If you need to speak with someone during this time of unknown and transition, please reach out to us! We will help you get connected with a counselor who best fits your needs. We are offering both in person and virtual sessions at this time. Call or email today!