A Therapist’s Guide to Navigating Post-Pandemic Stress

This month’s blog post is based on an interview with one of The Women’s Center’s talented therapists, Venise Darisme LPC, dedicated to meeting the diverse psychological needs of women, men, children, couples, and families of all ages.. 

Venise shares her perspective on pandemic-related stress and strategies to ease back into the new reality.

The challenging path “back to normal”

It’s encouraging to see people venture out again, socialize, travel, and go back to in-person office work. However, we have quickly realized that things will never be the same again, leaving many apprehensive that the stay-at-home era is coming to an end.  

The pandemic has caused many of us to re-evaluate our working lives and priorities. A record number of people in this country quit their jobs over the past two years according to the US Department of Labor. Perhaps surprisingly, the sole issue of remote work has not been the top factor. Business leaders and human resource professionals have noted that many of these employees have chosen to seek new jobs even when they are not required to return to the office. 

Perspective from The Women’s Center

Feeling uneasy during a time of change is understandable. As shocking as having to shelter in place has been, the transition to a new schedule and routine can also be tricky. Many of us have gotten used to vastly different lives. Certain groups (including working parents) are experiencing these difficulties more acutely than others. 

For those currently deciding whether or not to quit their jobs or make a career change in order to avoid having to go back into an office, Venise Darisme of The Women’s Center recommends taking time to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Benefits might include more social interactions, liking what you do, or not wanting to switch career paths. On the other hand, you might want to avoid a long commute, not being able to spend as much time at home or not having as flexible of a schedule.

Tips to manage stress

For those suffering from heightened stress and anxiety, the general recommendation is to try to find time to do things you enjoy and to follow your interests. It might also be good to call a friend or family member or start journaling to clear your mind. Such simple acts tend to remind us of the positives in our lives.  

Another piece of advice from Venise revolves around relaxation techniques. These activities are a great way to help with stress management. Relaxation isn’t only about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the effects of stress on your mind and body:  

• Breathing – There are many specific techniques that you can find with a simple online search or through mobile apps such as Breathing Zone.  
• Grounding- Such as using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (explained in this Mayo Clinic article) or choosing categories and naming as many items as you can in that category. Apps include: Recovery Record (for eating disorders) and Woebot (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-CBT).
• Mindfulness- This includes Mindful Movement – Includes anything that brings you joy as you move (walks, games, yoga, running, or other activities), Mindful Eating, guided imagery, visualization, and different forms of meditation. Change to chill is a great mindfulness resource. It is geared towards teens and young adults. Explore their take on Mindful Movement and Mindful Eating.

Be consistent and don’t give up. Relaxation techniques are skills that take practice. 

Professional help

For people who are grappling with more severe anxiety, eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, and burnout, The Women’s Center is here to help. Reach out to us to talk to a healthcare professional, especially if these feelings are persistent. 

As a society, we are at a crossroads – navigating change and facing hard decisions. However, we can finally start moving forward toward a better future, even if the way we live our lives is not the same as the way we used to. 

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