First came news of COVID-19 and social distancing. Then sheltering in place. We felt isolated and stuck. We felt anxious about where it was safe to go, what was safe to touch, and whether we’d get the virus. The future felt uncertain. To make matters much worse, we learned of the killing of George Floyd, and were reminded of the brutal, senseless oppression of Black people in this country. We felt angry, and unsure what to do with that anger. We heard the president’s threats to attack protestors, and felt even more angry. Many of us have experienced extreme stress during this time. In this post, we’ll explore what trauma is, how to know if you’re had a traumatic reaction, and how to heal. It’s possible to feel close to “okay” again.
Read MoreWhen someone mentioned “therapy,” you used to picture a bland office, with an abstract painting on the wall across from you…amirite? Times have changed. In the COVID-19 era, you might now picture a screen. Online therapy is everywhere. With specialized training, many therapists have adapted their methods and techniques to this new format. But what forms does it take? What types of online therapy are available? In this post, we’ll go through some of the options.
Read More“Sheltering in place” totally sucks. You may be “flattening the curve,” but you’re so over the claustrophobia and the isolation. If you’ve living with a significant other, you likely face additional challenges that a 24-pack of toilet paper can’t fix. In this post, I offer 10 tips for surviving (and thriving) as a couple in these strange times. Powerful practices to remember when things get tense.
Read MoreOur third installment of “Profiles in Tech” focuses on Rebecca, a senior product designer and mid-level manager at a large tech company. In liaising between product managers and software engineers, and in getting her direct reports to discuss their feelings, Rebecca impressively bridges the left brain and the right brain. This blog series highlighting the unique mindset of those who work in tech… their outlook, their concerns, and their quest for fulfillment. Each post derives from an interview with an engineer, programmer, or developer in the San Francisco Bay Area, and begins with their story, followed by a few reflections from a mental health perspective.
Read More