Covid, and the pandemic in general, has rattled the mental health of many. Some are left dealing with strong feelings of guilt. Guilt for getting sick; guilt for possibly spreading Covid to others; guilt for surviving when others did not.
Oftentimes, when we find ourselves out of control of a situation, we attempt to take control and often do so by placing blame. At times, we even misplace that blame on ourselves. The pandemic feels out of control and scary to many, which can leave people grasping for some semblance of control.
Here are a few ideas of ways to help minimize being overcome by feelings of guilt and attempts to control, during the Covid pandemic.
- Call it what it is. Express your feelings to a dear friend, counselor, or even just admit them to yourself so you can acknowledge your actual thoughts. Sometimes, just sharing specifically that you are struggling can provide a sense of relief. And, if the thoughts are faulty or inaccurate, oftentimes someone hearing you can help you see that.
- Allow yourself space to think. Set down your phone, turn off the music, spend some time alone in the quiet or go for a walk and let yourself regain a perspective.
- Turn off the news. In an effort to equip ourselves with the most knowledge and a high degree of understanding, we can obsess over information that we simply cannot control. Sometimes, the more we focus on the situation, the more overwhelming it becomes to us.
Chances are that if you’re dealing with strong feelings of guilt and attempts to control, in this pandemic, this is not the first time you’ve struggled with this before. Most likely, it is just the latest storyline for the same unhealthy pattern.
Seeking help from a licensed counselor at New Horizons Center for Healing in North Dallas can help you get to the root of those feelings of guilt and the need to control, and can guide you in reframing those feelings and emotions into more healthy ones.
Reach out to us today and we will help you process the guilty feelings you are experiencing and help you to move forward without the burden guilt and attempts to control can bring.
