Feeling on edge? Finding yourself both expecting more of yourself while at the same time lacking the focus and motivation to get much done? Are relationships struggling with all this increased closeness? As someone noticing some of these things myself, I want to remind us all that our bodies are responding just like they are designed to during a crisis. A fixation on problems and thinking in circles is a natural attempt to cope with the overwhelm of a big situation. Crisis activates survival instincts, which often include ruminating and obsessing over how we are feeling.
Coping with Crisis
While this may help in the short term, it can often lead to irritability, self-fixation with no solution, perfectionism and a sense of meaninglessness. I have heard quite a few folks say, “Here I have all this free time, yet I can’t seem to get anything done” or “I’ve still got my job, so I really don’t have a right to feel as upset as I do right now.” …And yet the remedy to distress is rarely self-criticism. It is almost always some variety of care and curiosity.
Another powerful remedy is to remind yourself that you are part of something bigger than yourself; something ceaselessly positive, resilient and bound by love. That is community. In the same way that cells in the body cannot exist in isolation, we too require connection, witnessing and the exchange of supportive feedback.
Fortunately, a platform that can provide both bigger meaning as well the healing medicine of feeling understood with warmth and care is a supportive group whose values are aligned.
For this reason, we are offering weekly, no-cost COVID-19 support groups:
- 4-8 participants
- 1 hour long
- Offered to existing Thrive clients and the general public
- Conducted with Zoom, an easy-to-use video platform
- Co-led by myself (Carson Kivari), Paul Slakov and/or Giulia Haedar
- Wednesday 3 PM group: To join, email connect@thrivedowntown.com or sign up online
Note that upon joining, you will be contacted within 24 hours for a brief chat with a Thrive Counsellor to confirm your spot and that the group will be a good fit. You will also be assisted to complete online consent forms in regards to group counselling and web counselling. Credit goes out to Peak Resilience for pioneering free COVID-19 groups and for inspiring other counselling centres to do the same.
Don’t ever hesitate to reach out with questions at 604-227-0297 or connect@thrivedowntown.com. If you are interested in individual sessions with any of us, you can book a free consultation or online appointment here.
Carson Kivari is the Founder and Clinic Director of Thrive Downtown, with years of experience helping individuals and couples overcome anxiety, depression, and burnout. He guides clients on a journey of self-exploration and trauma release to find purpose, connection, and safety. Take the first step towards healing and contact Carson today to schedule a session.
