Self-Care During Covid-19 Part 2.

It’s OK to be a little Bit Selfish

In today’s world, it is so hard to escape reality. I’ve been trying really hard to not watch the news, as I am much more sensitive to visuals knowing I will be sitting with someone in crisis, listening to their story and caring for them emotionally when they cannot do it for themselves. I have no choice but to live in a state of forced denial, as it is the only way I can be there for you.

• BOOM! A news flash will pop up on my phone.
• BOOM! I’ll receive a text, with an un-invited picture or headline.
• OK, too late, now I have to decompress too. Now it has stained my memory forever.

I feel sad with today’s news of Covid-19, announcing the total number of mortalities. Seeing the images makes me think of all the relatives, friends, loved ones who will be in mourning. All the sadness, pain and life lost too young. I feel the loss, but I don’t want to see it. I need to not feel it that strongly if I am in the headspace of working on the front lines as a Clinical Social Worker, but for me, the visuals make that difficult.

It may seem selfish, however it is how I can be there for you, for them or anyone I have the amazing privilege of being present for. If I happen to be there in the moment, I hope I am the right person for the job. If not, there will be another person in a different circumstance, who will be the right person to be there for you.

During your time of need, Let that person who lands on your ledge support you, listen, share your space. You will feel better, and my hope, can move on, fairly unscathed.

Written by Elizabeth Rahamim, LCSW, work-family-life expert and Social Worker for the Middle Class, owner of Strategies for Success, counseling and psychiatry services for all ages. www.StrategiesforSuccessAZ.com

If you or a friend/family member needs the assistance of a licensed counselor or psychiatrist, we offer quality over-the-phone and in person sessions to help fit any personal needs.

Book An Appointment