Page 60 - My FlipBook 1

I do not feel like I’m on the front here [gestures at chest] is where was, it was such a huge relief. and that there isn’t anything that
lines. I’m in the medic tent that’s we can get grounded, stabilize. Anxiety is not a problem that will rescue either one of us from
away from the front lines, a safe Up here [gestures at head], we needs solving; it’s a voice that this. But also, we’re together in
haven for those who are. tend to stay in the storm. needs to be heard. this moment.
I try to help move my clients During the first week of true Do I take my own advice? I try I’m learning a new level of
from anxiety to fear. Lots of peo- social distancing, most of my to, and I fail all the time. I am a ...not self-reliance, but resil-
ple have said, “I’m really anx- clients were saying, “I’m not human being. I suffer from the ience. There’s not a sense of “I
ious.” But almost no one says, worried about me. I’ll be fine.” humanity of myself, just like my got this.” It’s more like “I don’t
“I’m scared.” It’s such a vulnera- There was tons of anxiety, but clients do. This is a reminder that got this, and I will still be okay.”
ble experience. Saying that it was outwardly focused. “I’m neither of us has the answers —As told to Sarah Rense
takes a lot of courage. worried for all of those people.”
The way I practice, and how I I was so surprised. No one
see the world, anxiety is not an came to my virtual office say- Conducting telehealth sessions with clients has
emotion. Anxiety is a cognitive ing, “I need to talk about my “forced me to notice what I’m seeing on their
face,” Loudon says, “and to ask them much more
process—thoughts, thoughts, fear of mortality.” They were directly about what’s happening right now.”
thoughts—that keeps us out of running from it. When I would
touch with our emotions. Down press, as uncomfortable as that

THE THERAPIST
MARY LOUDON
COFOUNDER, THE SEATTLE CLINIC
Seattle
45%: Percentage of Americans who say the
pandemic has impacted their mental health

“I MAY DIE, BUT AT LEAST I’LL KNOW

THAT I DID ALL I COULD TO CONTRIBUTE,

AND TO MAKE MY FAMILY PROUD.”

THE 24/7 SUPPORT THE WAY WE talk to victims A LOT OF contacts are really
and survivors has changed, showing up for that valida-
RICH HAM
particularly in places where tion. By just being there, by
ADVOCATE MANAGER, NATIONAL
2 0 L I V E S , resources have been affected listening to their stories, we’re
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSE HOTLINE
2 0 P E R S P E C T I V E S Austin by the virus. Staying with a letting them know that we
family member may not be an understand what they’re
250%: Percentage increase of violence in
couples experiencing high levels of finan- option because of social dis- going through. We try to instill
cial stress as compared with that of cou- tancing. Some safe shelters some semblance of hope in
ples with low levels
are not able to take people in. their situation.
SO WE GET creative. Can we THE WORK that we do—as
help with hotel vouchers? Are with any trauma work—defi-
W H A T there safe places nearby to nitely takes a toll. I’ve been
park their car while they amazed by our team’s resil-
search for that next step? ience and how well we’ve
W E ’ R E WORST-CASE SCENARIO, stayed connected virtually.
if a contact is unable to get Having others around who COURTESY SUBJECTS. SOURCES FOR DATA POINTS: KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION,
out, we talk about ways to stay can support you, who can be
LEARNING safe while at home. “Is there there for you, who can NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE, THE WASHINGTON POST.
a place in the house that you encourage you and lift you
can go every day? Just to have up, is very powerful. That’s
five minutes to yourself, to always important, but even
think about all the things that more so now.
you’ve done to get to this —As told to S. R.
point. How strong you are,
how resilient you are.”

60 SUMMER 2020