Mental Health: How to Navigate Socializing Post-COVID
Danielle Friedman, LMHC
Beware of the traps: When it comes to doing something new or challenging each of us have our own ways of coaching ourselves.
This might be a pre-activity ritual like listening to your favorite pump up jam or repeating a trusted mantra. You definitely want to do what works.
But what about the things that keep coming up? The things that still scare you no matter how many times you try?
If you find yourself continuing to struggle with the same things, then the self-talk or “mantra” you use might actually be hurting you. Or if not the cause, the force that makes them worse?
Below are a few thought patterns that we often mistake for helpful, but keep us stuck.
Jumping to conclusions: making assumptions or interpretations about people or events
Mind reading: attempting to guess what other people think and feel
Filtering for the negative: only seeing what's wrong rather than what's fine
Labeling: assigning a descriptor to a person based on a single event
i.e. socially awkward
Catastrophizing: worst-case scenario thinking
i.e. “if I say no they won’t invite me again”
Not to fear!
Figuring out which of these methods might be keeping you stuck is the first step in overcoming. If you’re wondering what to do instead, we’ve put together a list of some alternative practices to bring you forward when facing something uncomfortable.
Take a little time before you respond.
Take some deep breaths, check in with your thoughts and feelings.
Notice the traps.
i.e. jumping to conclusions, catastrophizing etc.
Identify what you need.
i.e. an open environment, permission to leave, boundaries.
Use self-supportive language.
DON'T PUT YOURSELF DOWN
One step at a time. Start with something mild to build confidence.
We want you to know that when learning something new it probably feels weird. At this point in history, everyone is going through adjustments. You’re not the only one.
Try to support yourself with time to practice new ways of interacting. Don’t force yourself to do it all at once. Above all things, make sure you celebrate the small victories.
Learn more about our upcoming support groups and book a one-on-one consultation with me here.
Have questions? Reach out to me at danielle@holistichealthcode.com.
Danielle Friedman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is based in South Florida working with clients providing both in person and online therapy. Her approach emphasizes the client being their own expert, while supporting them in learning the practices to take care of themselves and make lasting change.