Copy of COVID-19 | Barbara C Price

COVID-19

FACEBOOK POSTS

These posts are copied here from my Facebook account at title states. I will be offering other insights and information on the page titled

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 23

ALWAYS BE PREPARED. That’s the Girl Scout motto. I was a Girl Scout and I loved it. I think I took that motto to heart throughout my life. Now, more than ever we must be prepared. However, there is a big difference between being prepared and hoarding.

My neighbor went to the store for toilet paper only to find the shelves empty. As she turned to leave she past a woman with her cart piled high with toilet paper. My neighbor said to the woman, “I only wanted one” and the woman remarkably gave her the package she needed. My neighbor was fortunate to receive the package. The woman clearly had more than she needed which wasn’t right and she must have known that. There will be enough for everyone if we all take only what we need. Stores are stocking their shelves every night there is enough each of us.

Be like a Girl Scout and always be prepared but don’t be a selfish hoarder.

I know my daily posts are sometimes long and I apologize for that. I’m preparing my website to address the Covid-19 issues so that my FB posts will be more brief. I will let you know when the website is ready.

Stay safe, be generous and remember that this is not forever.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 22
I realize that I have more days of isolation than many. There’s a reason for that. I saw this coming. I subscribe to The New York Times and The Washington Post among other newspapers. They were writing about the Covid-19 virus even back then but it was not yet in our country. They said that it was only a matter of time and they were correct. Now here we are behind and trying furiously to catch up in fighting this killer virus.

The latest recommendation is to begin wearing masks. I purchased masks at the end of January because I had some concern about traveling in March to a wedding in Chicago. I ended up not wearing the mask on the trains, in Ubers, in restaurants, in the hotel or at the crowded wedding. I didn’t wear my mask because I didn’t go. Four days before the wedding there were six people in Chicago with Covid-19, then the next day there were nine. I sadly had to cancel my plans to see my nephew-friend get married. I can’t tell you how sad and disappointed I was having to miss this occasion I’d planned for months to attend. So now everything is cancelled and we need to all wear masks. People everywhere are now missing weddings, graduations and even funerals. Our world changed in a heartbeat.

Today is a rainy day. What are you planning to do on this damp, grey day? You might reach out to a friend or family member by phone, text or internet. Find a project around the house or play games or start that hobby you’ve been putting off if you are bored. Start meditating or singing gospel songs or find a quiet space to journal or pray. Be thankful that you can remain safe in your home while others are risking their lives to protect us, care for us and feed us.

Be safe, follow the rules and remember that this won’t last forever.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 21
Going to be sunny and warm today. Try your best to get outside today. Stay the 6 feet and now the government is suggesting to wear a cloth mask. Lots of videos online with instructions to make yourself one. Wearing a mask seems logical to me if it keeps people from spreading the virus. I’m going to wear one when I’m gardening because of my allergies. Getting a sinus infection from allergies often leads to bronchitis for me.

We need to continue to take every precaution until there is a vaccine to stop Covid-19. Until then staying away from others is all we have.

Keep safe and get some vitamin D today. A wonderful gift from the sun.

Remember that this won’t last forever.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 20
I’m keeping track of a friend who has Covid-19 and another in Washington who is an exhausted nurse. I feel that the reality of the present situation is becoming clearer and clearer as time goes by. Following the rules is more important now than ever. The way to remain safe is by remaining in your home. Doing our part in whatever way we can to help those who must work for the good of us all.

It’s going to be warm and sunny in Grand Rapids this weekend. Get outside to relieve stress.

Stay safe and remember that this will not last forever.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 19
Yesterday I cleared my half of the kitchen table. I have my oil painting supplies and a nearly finished painting ready to go. My daughter is using the other half of the table for things she wants to do. Taking advantage of the time at home to do something fun can lift your spirits.

Today I am sending out love and prayers to friends who have the virus and their families. I’m sending out the same to friends working in the medical field fighting this deadly virus. I’m sending love and prayers to friends and family who must work outside the home right now. I send the same to all those I do not know who are suffering as well. I realize that many are struggling in the eye of this deadly storm and fighting boredom is the last thing that they are thinking about. We must be thinking about safety for ourselves and those around us as the Corbid-19 virus comes closer each day. 💗

Be safe know that this will end.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 18
I slept in this morning. On grey days like this it seems like a good thing to do. No rush to do things anymore which seems odd but I don’t mind. The day before yesterday I wrote in my Panda Planner for the first time. It was a good experience and gave me structure for my day. Yesterday I didn’t write in it because I worked most of the day but I should have.

We really need to keep structure in our lives during this time when one day runs into the next with no separation. You don’t need a fancy planner to aid in the structure of your day. Jotting down two or three things to accomplish in a day and checking them off at night gives you a feeling of satisfaction.

I hope your day brings you a small sense of accomplishment. Psychologically it improves your mood and most of us can use a boost during this difficult time.

Stay safe and remember to stay safe only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 17
This feels like a good day for me. I had a wonderful sleep last night and I’m ready to connect with my clients all day.

The past days have not always been as good off and on. We are all housebound either alone or with one or more people. Tempers and frustrations rise when we are in such close proximity with others. Some people I talk with have five bedrooms so getting away from each other is quite easy. Some live in small spaces which is much more difficult. Thank goodness the weather is getting better everyday so many of us can be outside. This can be a wonderful annex to a small home or apartment to aid in some momentary peace away from others.

Then there are some of you who cannot physically be outside. These are the people we must connect with by phone or even mail them cards so they know that we are thinking of them. Being alone, even if you are healthy comes with its own set of issues.

Reaching out right now is so important. Letting others know we are thinking of them and feeling good yourself in making that connection. I’m thinking of people who make cards, what a great time to make some and mail them. The postal services makes it easy to order stamps and they are mailed to your homes. Now is a great time to call friends and family for those of you who are not so crafty. Those of you who have younger children, you could always have them make cards and they are always great.

We will get through this. We are a strong people and maybe when this is over we may appreciate each other even more.

Stay safe and remember that this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 16
It’s windy and rainy outside this morning. I’m still in bed but I’ve meditated, prayed, written in my planner, checked the news, checked the weather, looked at FB and Instagram and done my stretches. Now for some breakfast when I feel it’s the right time to get out of my comfortable bed.😊

Do some relaxing today but put two or things on your must do list and get them done. I have mine.

Take care, keep safe and remember that this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 15
While spring rains bring green grass and early flowers we really need the sun. I normally love rainy days. Staying inside with a good book or painting on these days is a real treat. However; in these times of social distancing staying in is not the comfort it once was.

I have many things to do today as I’m working from home. In reality, I could be working on something concerning my practice most of the time. Working from home definitely has its own set of stressors to be sure. Bearing that in mind I’ve decided to use something called a Panda Planner.

Basically you begin by things you are thankful for. Then three to five things you must do for the day. It has so many positive tools to aid in reducing depression and making the most out of your day and life. Even if you don’t want to invest in this kind of tool, writing three things you are thankful for in the morning and writing a list of things to accomplish for the day is good practice.

Take care, be safe and as always remember that this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 14
My last day of the 14 day isolation period to make sure I hadn’t contracted the Covid-19 virus. I am moving forward now relieved that I am safe as long as I remain in my home and follow the rules.

It’s supposed to be almost 60 degrees here in Grand Rapids today. I plan on cleaning up my patio garden. The one thing we can do is be outside. Physicians are saying that we need more vitamin D right now and we can get more of that from the sun.

I believe that we are so fortunate that the virus didn’t come in September. We would have winter ahead of us instead of spring. Getting outside is another way to lift your spirits. The sun provides the D3 vitamin we all need. This vitamin provides us many things. A very important one is improving your mood and most of us can use that during this difficult time.
The photos are of last years patio garden.

Be safe and remember that this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 13
I’m hearing a variety of things right now from my clients. Some are filled with fear while others are sure that this will be over in two weeks. Some clients are bored while others are working from home trying to navigate with children or pets interrupting. Just like the whole of America, there are differing opinions about the pandemic and how to deal with it. We, who are *able to be home can only share our truths about this horrific situations and keep ourselves safe, because in the end it is always up to each individual to determine what this means to them. In my home, my daughter and I are following ALL the rules set by the scientists who are helping our country. Doing this gives us peace knowing that we will be probably be safe. My suggestion for homebound people today is to find something funny be it on television, online, in a book or by phone. My sister made me belly laugh this morning sharing the antics of her little dog. I love those stories about Emma and love them even more right now.

Keep safe and remember that this is only temporary.

*some people are continuing to work to help us survive.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Day 12

I felt anxiety creeping up today for a variety of reasons. So I put on my red lipstick and started to walk. Walking I was until I noticed the community perennial garden I’ve been planting. I got my rake and garden gloves and started to work. This is better for me than walking because I love it so much and it takes me away. The best thing happened. I saw the promise of spring as a tiny crocus was blooming.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Day 11
Three more days and I know I’m not infected. Then on the other hand I could be a carrier and still have Covid-19 with no symptoms. What’s the answer? STAY IN MY HOUSE until a vaccine is discovered no matter how long it takes. A pandemic means the whole world is infected. Sorry if I’m not filled with soft and healing suggestions today. I’m a little frustrated because people aren’t listening. Maybe some just don’t understand and maybe some think that they are invincible. Maybe some still think it’s a hoax. Please spread the word to friends and family that this is real and if you want to shorten the time you are isolated, then remain physically away from others.
Please be safe and remember, this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 10
A very busy day for me, getting my home office up and going and computer problems. I must say it took me away from the world pandemic thoughts for a while at least. The bottom line is that the only thing we can do to actually stop the virus spreading is to stay at home. Make a plan for the day and get engrossed in something. It makes the time fly by and you are not as stressed. Unless you have hours of computer troubles that is. 😊

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 9
I’ve never used Shipt before but today I received my first delivery. The girl was so great and stayed in contact with my daughter telling her what wasn’t available and what choices were. She left the bags at the front door. My daughter unpacked and wiped everything with an antibacterial wipe. I soaked the produce in a gallon of water to a tablespoon of bleach. When the girl drove away I was near tears as I was so thankful and appreciated her doing this for us. She is like a first responder and I pray she stays safe.
Be thankful for what you have and remember this is only temporary.
Stay safe. 💗

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 8
Today I spent my morning calling pharmacies to refill some prescriptions and discovering that one Riteaid pharmacy in Michigan will actually ship them. I went on Amazon and ordered over the counter meds and supplements went to my online pharmacy as well to make sure my auto delivery med was ready for delivery soon. I have to say that it was stressful for me since I haven’t actually felt completely relaxed for quite a while. It’s important that you make sure you have things like prescriptions and things like OTC allergy meds, Tylenol or anything you might need in the next few weeks.
Stay safe and if you are working to help the rest of us I can’t thank you enough.

This pandemic may be long but it is only temporary. Be safe.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Day 7
I have thankfully managed a week now in my home. I am very fortunate that my adult daughter lives with me and we support each other. People living alone may have more difficulty living in solitude, while homes with children have different issues. Younger children don’t understand why they can’t have play dates. Older children and teens are often angry because they can’t see friends or leave the house. People are experiencing new challenges and it is of great importance that we support one another to aid in reducing fear and stress.

I will continue to post here and on Instagram for anyone who is interested. I continue to connect with my clients online but I’d like to help more people. I will continue to offer suggestions to aid in coping and soon I will have videos to share guided imagery meditations.

My suggestion today is checking out a Panda Planner at Pandaplanner.com. One of my clients told me about this yesterday. I think using this Panda Planner may help us to feel more in control of our lives right now. I ordered one and I can’t wait to receive it. Check it out and see what you think. It’s not your ordinary planner.

As always, stay safe and remember that this is only temporary.

SEQUESTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
DAY 6
Music Soothes The Soul
I love music. I always have. Now, in a time when we are isolated in our homes I love it even more. Music can bring us to tears, give us energy, calm us down and bring us peace. Music is something we can even feel in our bodies. So, play some music in your homes and dance or meditate or sing along. This will raise your endorphins and improve your mood.

Keep safe, remain in your homes and remember, this is only temporary. 💗

DAY 5 OF SELF QUARANTINE
The Therapist Needs Support

I’ve been all over the place for most of the past two weeks. I could see what was coming and tried to make changes in my life to keep myself and others safe. At the same time, I was trying to explain to others why they should be doing the same thing but to no avail. I realized today that I was riddled with anxiety and fear much of the time learning the progression of the virus. Not for myself as much as for friends and family and especially those who were not listening to my warnings. I continued posting on FB negative political information and how the world is challenged and changing for the worse in this pandemic.

Now, after 5 days in seclusion, and processing my own issues around Covid-19, I am grounded and much more calm. We must work to navigate in this new normal in order to keep ourselves emotionally sound. For this reason, I am changing my posts to better help people cope with this new way of life and to remain more positive and healthy.

Beginning today my posts will be in an effort to help everyone in various ways. I am a Psychotherapist but for a while now I have been fighting fear myself. Recently I was fortunate to reconnect with other colleagues via phone and we processed our feelings each with each other. We immediately began to feel more grounded and clear. This really helped me to refocus and have clarity about how I was feeling and reduce stress by doing that. Now I am better prepared to help my clients as they navigate this very stressful time.

I plan to continue this daily post and I will also be sharing funny or helpful posts as well. My suggestion for you today is to try to keep a positive daily routine. Get outside even for a short time. Just the act of dressing for exercise or getting outside breaks any monotony you may experience during this very stressful time.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to work from home, continuing with your daily routine for work will keep a feeling of normalcy. Maybe not to the full extent that you may have before but getting out of those sweats or yoga pants occasionally will help you psychologically to keep a more healthy routine. At first the time spent sequestered in your home may feel like a vacation but eventually you may become bored or even irritable. That’s why a daily routine will help us through this uncharted territory.
Stay safe and keep the faith. This is only temporary.