I find myself wondering what will be written about this pandemic in history books for the generations to come. I doubt there will be much about the endurance it took for us all to get through this long season. The endurance it took for those with ill loved ones, fighting for their lives in the hospital. For those who lost loved ones, unable to be with them in the end or celebrate their lives with family and friends. What parents had to do to educate their children at home, while also working. The loneliness of those living alone, unable to participate in life giving community. The financial impact on those unable to work, who’ve lost work, and businesses struggling to stay afloat. The fear. The uncertainty. We’re seeing a rise in depression and anxiety. In drinking and drug use. It’s not all bad news, though. I’ve seen something else, too.

I’ve seen resilience. People standing up against injustice. More people educating themselves about the realities of those who experience a different one in this country. I’ve seen people coming together, churches figuring out how to still meet the needs of their communities, parents playing with their kids, people learning flexibility and letting go of control, teachers being straight up super stars, healthcare workers risking their lives daily to save others, neighbors reaching out more, and everyone figuring out this new reality together.

My colleagues and I are seeing more people reaching out and asking for help through counseling. We’ve seen the positive impact in making counseling more accessible through video sessions. It makes me hopeful that we will get through this time together.

Counseling is a great way to reduce the trauma of these troubling times. It’s a way to get support, healthy coping skills, and to allow grief and emotions instead of repressing them and allowing them to build. It’s important to feel our feelings. To have a place that it’s safe to do so, especially now that we have less access to other outlets. Counseling is a great way to do more than just survive this season. Maybe we can grow and learn and make meaning here, too.

Together in this,

Lauren