Since we’ve discussed previously that the best way to survive the COVID-19 quarantine is to “survive together” (please see my previous blog at https://kristinapolley.com/2020/03/22/quarantine-survival/), now we need to discuss just exactly how we’re going to do that.

Naturally, all of the toilet paper, bread, and meat are gone from the grocery stores. But did you remember to stock up on Motrin, Tylenol, Benadryl, and a first-aid kit? If you did, amazing! I like you already! If not, there’s still time.

But what about your mental health?

How do you feel? What are you thinking?

As a parent, do you feel exhausted? Angry? Sad? Happy? Do you feel like a failure completing online homework? Do you spend most of your days yelling and arguing?

As a spouse, do you feel drained? Supported? Do you feel as if you and your spouse make a good team at home with the kids?

Again, how do you feel? If you’re fighting back tears or internalizing anger after reading this article, it’s time to stop simply surviving. It’s time to flourish.

So many people compartmentalize these feelings because they need to feel in control of their emotions and of their situation. Some people compartmentalize these feelings because they don’t want to feel like a failure. But when faced with a country-wide quarantine, it is normal and acceptable to lose control. So when the finances, employment, and stress come crashing down, you have to make a decision on whether or not you will crash with this disaster, or rise above it.

This is where I promote Behavioral Health.

Many of my patients refuse to see a Behavioral Health specialist because they don’t want to talk about their issues. This drives the issues deeper within your soul…to a point where your internal pile of mess will build up so high that…you guessed it…you finally explode. Why not find a compassionate, unbiased, objective, healthy release?

Why not take 15 minutes with a professional who can not only make you feel like a successful parent, but give you tips and advice on how to better handle mayonnaise spread over your red sofa?

Why not take 15 minutes with a professional who can not only see your spouse’s affection, but help you understand your love language in order to deepen your relationship with your spouse?

Why not…talk? What do you have to lose? When you empty yourself of that internal mess in your soul, you leave an infinite amount of space to be filled back up with love, peace, and rest. Then, you can flourish.

The night that Christ was betrayed, he prayed to God his father in the garden of Gethsemane. Why? Because he was overcome with the stress and the weight of knowing he was going to die soon. Jesus even said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (Mark 14:32-34 NLT) He needed to pray (to talk!) to God. Jesus! The son of God! Needed to talk?! Yep.

And sometimes, we do too.

So, during a time of crisis, both internal and external, talk to a Behavioral Health specialist about your daily struggle. And talk to God. He knows what you’re going through and he’s waiting to hear from you.

If you, or someone you know, are in need of free counseling services, please visit https://www.donscounselingservices.com/