I’m a counsellor. Here’s how I’m staying sane during coronavirus quarantine.

We’re experiencing a mental health crisis, and you can add that to the long list of crises that have resulted because of the novel coronavirus. The focus is so much on physical health right now (and rightly so), a lot of us are having to figure out how to deal mentally in this whole new world. And when I say “we,” I am definitely including myself!

I’m a relationship counsellor and under direction to stay at home. Me, my husband, and our two dogs only leave home to exercise outdoors or go to the supermarket (while still staying 1.5 metres away from any other human, of course). Living this way has left me feeling incredibly stressed, anxious, and depressed. I’ve had depression and anxiety since I was ten years old and I’ve learned to manage them well as an adult. However, this pandemic, in particular the social distancing aspect, is unlike anything I’ve had to deal with before and it’s seriously thrown me.

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I was totally incensed at all the people freaking out and hoarding, at the news for adding to the hysteria, and I realised I was angry at myself, too. So much of my identity revolves around being a therapist and the thought that I needed to temporarily close my practice and stay home was very upsetting. I knew it would be irresponsible to stay open but I desperately wanted to hang on to my normal life—my link to my sanity. Clearly, I don’t like change!

My work is my life and I love it so I’m doing whatever I can to keep as much normalcy there is possible, both for me and my clients. I can’t work like I normally do (and trust me, doing therapy when you can’t see peoples’ facial expressions or body language is so much harder!) but I can still be there for my clients in so many important ways online and over the phone.

As I transitioned my business to teletherapy—counselling clients mainly via phone and Skype—my feelings started to slide more towards depression. I didn’t have physical appointments to look forward to and within just a few days I began to recognise the signs of depression in myself: I was irritable, constantly fighting with my husband, experiencing racing thoughts, lost my appetite, couldn’t sleep, and stopped showering. In the past, I’ve been suicidal and I could see myself getting dangerously close to that dark place again if I didn’t do something right away to take care of my mental health. Surprised to hear that a therapist is struggling to stay sane? Don’t be! People expect us to always have our lives together but we are human! So here is what I—a counsellor but also a person who struggles with depression and anxiety—am doing to stay sane during this coronavirus quarantine.

Having a daily routine in my life is very comforting and this quarantine has completely upended it. I’ve been working on recreating a schedule to bring back that structure that I crave. However, I make it a point not to be strict about it and leave myself some room to change it as needed.

Shocked to hear that a counsellor has a counsellor? Having a professional to talk to is one of the best things you can do for your mental health and, right now, I’m calling mine regularly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that’s talking to a friend, a counsellor, or calling a crisis line if you feel yourself sliding into a dark place.

I’m on medication for my anxiety and depression and I’m using it, as prescribed, to stay sane, which is it’s intended purpose. Now is not the time to try and wean off your medication. It’s also important to take these types of medication consistently and to be proactive in making sure to have at least a week’s worth of medication in case of shortages.

Every day I take a run outside through the park. Out of everything, this has been the one thing that is helping me stay sane the most. It gives me time alone, helps quiet my brain, gets me outdoors, and causes a cascade of feel-good endorphins—just a few of the health benefits of exercise. I’ve found that exercising has naturally helped me to regulate my eating and sleeping patterns, again.

While having to take care of my dogs in our limited space can be stressful, they also provide lots of entertainment and comfort. They are getting plenty of walks these days, which is good exercise for all of us! Simply petting a cat or dog immediately helps you feel calmer.

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Keeping in touch with my friends and family has become more important than ever, both for my good and their own! I’ve found that calling, rather than texting, has led to much more fulfilling conversation and it’s so comforting just to hear their voices. Plus, you know they’re not doing much either so you don’t have to worry about interrupting.