by Maddison Madrigal MS, LPC, OCD, anxiety, mood, eating disorder therapist
Here’s a little tidbit about me: I love to plan. Ever since childhood, I planned out my weeks, months, and even years in advance in order to best prepare myself for future goals and desires.
When COVID began to spread more and more throughout the United States, my worries about my future plans began to grow tenfold. Not only was I finding myself worrying about my own future, I was anxious for my friends, family members, and all of their future plans. As so many events got postponed and the daily news became grimmer, I knew I needed to take a pause.
Right now, I do not have control. Right now, I do not have the control to plan. Right now, I do not know what the next week, month, or year holds for me.
However, right now, I can control my breathing with focus. Right now, I can take a bike ride. Right now, I can read that book that’s been collecting dust on my bookshelf for far too long.
As we are nearing the end of quarantine, there are still many uncertainties about what the remainder of this year is going to look like.
Every member within our community has been impacted by this virus one way or another, and I would imagine that nearly every person has felt anxiety, anger, or sadness during this time.
While we may not be able to control or plan things as we could have in the past, there are still many aspects of life that we can control that can help ease our anxious minds. While we may not be able to control what is happening externally, it can be easier to control what happens internally.
I encourage you to reflect on how you can control many aspects of your life even while we are living in an “uncontrollable” time.
One powerful way to practice control is by using coping skills.
A coping skill can range anywhere from meeting with your therapist weekly to taking two minutes of quiet time to yourself. Below is a helpful worksheet you can use on your own! Try as many of the “healthy coping strategies” column,as many as you can!
Think of this as your personal toolbox when you find yourself feeling down (see the bottom of the post).
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
Though this quote comes from a children’s book, it is a great reminder of how resilient we are.
As we continue to live through uncertainty (both in the present and years from now), we should continually reflect on our strengths, abilities, and resiliency.
About Maddison!
Prior to private practice, Maddison worked at a nationally renowned residential center for OCD and anxiety treatment. She loves helping Preteen/Tweens (10-13), Adolescents/Teens (14-19) Young Adults(20-30), Adults, Couples and Families to find balance, light and happiness.
Maddison is accepting new clients and has a flexible schedule and accepts BCBS, UnitedHealthCare and Humana.
Call (847) 919-9096×1 or [email protected] to find out more.
Personal Coping Toolbox
