There could be several reasons why people haven’t been able to see their therapist during a global pandemic. They could have lost healthcare because they lost their job. They could no longer afford their therapist because their work was decreased. They could have moved and no longer be in the coverage area of their therapist.

For whatever reason, it is important to have tools to cope without a regular therapist during stay-at-home orders. Here are some tips to help:

Acknowledge and Recognize Feelings
This global pandemic is hard on everyone, and it is ok to feel anxious, sad, or unmotivated. Acknowledging a difficult situation is a healthy solution when deeper issues can’t be worked out with a therapist. Putting a name on changing emotions and feelings can take away their power and control, allowing for a healthy release. It can also take away the anxiety and worry when problems are identified; sometimes, the unknown is scarier than the known.

Stay in Contact with Friends and Family
If seeing a therapist is no longer a viable option, turning to close friends and family can be a healthy alternative. A professional is more qualified and able to help people with their mental health, but being open with loved ones can ease any mental burden and remind people they are not alone. The quarantine can be isolating, so staying in touch with people can do wonders for isolation and loss of feelings.

Plan Ahead
Even if people can continue seeing their therapists, there might be outside reasons why it can stop. Thousands of people in Texas lost power due to a winter storm recently, disrupting their access to mental health services. It is a good idea to plan for the inability to see a therapist because it is possible. Having a plan will take away anxiety and stress, allowing for rational thought to stave off any further mental issues.

Build a Routine
Being able to wake up and go to bed simultaneously can do wonders for people’s mental health. Working out or getting exercise can increase stability and happiness. Finding some way to build consistency when things are out of control can bring control internally when a therapist is not there to help.

There could be several reasons why people haven’t been able to see their therapist during a global pandemic. They could have lost healthcare because they lost their job. They could no longer afford their therapist because their work was decreased. They could have moved and no longer be in the coverage area of their therapist.

For whatever reason, it is important to have tools to cope without a regular therapist during stay-at-home orders. Here are some tips to help:

Acknowledge and Recognize Feelings
This global pandemic is hard on everyone, and it is ok to feel anxious, sad, or unmotivated. Acknowledging a difficult situation is a healthy solution when deeper issues can’t be worked out with a therapist. Putting a name on changing emotions and feelings can take away their power and control, allowing for a healthy release. It can also take away the anxiety and worry when problems are identified; sometimes, the unknown is scarier than the known.

Stay in Contact with Friends and Family
If seeing a therapist is no longer a viable option, turning to close friends and family can be a healthy alternative. A professional is more qualified and able to help people with their mental health, but being open with loved ones can ease any mental burden and remind people they are not alone. The quarantine can be isolating, so staying in touch with people can do wonders for isolation and loss of feelings.

Plan Ahead
Even if people can continue seeing their therapists, there might be outside reasons why it can stop. Thousands of people in Texas lost power due to a winter storm recently, disrupting their access to mental health services. It is a good idea to plan for the inability to see a therapist because it is possible. Having a plan will take away anxiety and stress, allowing for rational thought to stave off any further mental issues.

Build a Routine
Being able to wake up and go to bed simultaneously can do wonders for people’s mental health. Working out or getting exercise can increase stability and happiness. Finding some way to build consistency when things are out of control can bring control internally when a therapist is not there to help.