Update in Year Three: It's Not "New Normal"; It's Just "Now"

The phrase "new normal" is frequently applied as we approach May 11th when the COVID-19 National Emergency will end.  But,"normal" implies steadiness and the COVID-19 virus has shown that it doesn't stand still. So, where are we "now?"

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a treacherous journey for many. As of this April more than one million Americans didn't make it, while more than six million people world wide have succumbed to this virus.  Another 15 percent of us (though probably many more) have devloped Long COVID, a syndrome where inflammatory processes continue after the initial acute viral infection and create a separate burden.

Beyond these physical manifestations, there are emotional and psychological responses to the pandemic that continue to this day. Researchers have found that the stresses of lockdown as well as the restrictions to usual routines heightened levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression and aggression as well as alcohol and substance use.

One of the few fortunate outcomes of the pandemic is that getting help for mental or behavioral distress no longer required going to a physical office. Through this national emergency clinicans have been permitted to provide telehealth services reimbursable by health insurance. Often, this made the process of getting treatment more convenient and provided safety and security for the client and the clinican as the COVID-19 infection cycle continued. The good news is that--as of this moment--this situation is not expected to change after May 11th. Insurance companies appear satisfied with this option for providing counseling.  

Another fortunate outcome of these challenging years is that the importance of nurturing the self and connecting to others became clear in the face of isolation, loss and disruption. Clients in my clinical and coaching practices reported reprioritizing their time and energy toward relationships in their work, families and social networks. The "stuff" our consumer culture promotes doesn't ground us the way our alliances and interconnections do.

Here's a wish that those of you reading this post "now" are investing in yourself and in the communities--both personal and professional--that encourage you to take good care. 

There's only one of you and, of course, you matter.