Yesterday, feeling a bit overwhelmed by what seems a continuous onslaught of bad news about the global health crisis we are in, I took some time out to listen to a podcast by my social work hero, Brene Brown. In it, she urges us to remember that for many of us, this is our first pandemic and with that comes feelings of uncertainty. I think most of us can relate.

Brown talks about leaning into that uncertainty and all the other feelings you might be grappling with at this time. As a social worker myself, I have met with clients all of whom have had different reactions to COVID-19. Some of my clients are choosing to remain calm while others are in full panic mode. As Brown says in her podcast, it is important to recognize what you are feeling and name those feelings. By naming those feelings, we take back our power over those feelings.

It is perfectly okay to feel many different things all at once about this pandemic. Many of us are experiencing things we may never have felt before. And that, too, is okay. Our feelings may be changing frequently, by the hour, day or week. As we shelter in place for at least another month, our feelings of loneliness and isolation may be increasing. Recognize and name those feelings, and then deal with them. What can you do to stay connected to your people, your family and friends? Remembering that your loved ones are a phone call, video chat or text message away can help manage those feelings of loneliness and isolation.

It is perfectly okay to not know how to handle what is going on in the world right now. Many of us do not know what to tell our families, our children. This is all new for us. This is, for most of us, our first time dealing with anything like this. It is okay to not have all the answers. Lean into that discomfort and learn to accept uncertainty as these are most definitely uncertain times.

Whatever you are feeling is perfectly fine. You are entitled to your feelings. That being said, remember that feelings are just visitors; let them come and go. If you allow yourself to wallow in feelings of despair, loneliness or isolation, you run the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take time to take care of yourself. Practice good self-care. If you do not take care of yourself during this pandemic, it will be difficult to take care of those you love. Make some time for you, for your mental health and your physical health. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Most of all, practice self-love and self-compassion. Allow yourself to feel without getting bogged down in your feelings. And, if you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a mental health professional. Many therapists and counselors continue to meet with people via telehealth or telephone, or even in person if you are not symptomatic. Reach out. There are people who want to help you get through this.