Parenting in a Pandemic

During the last 10 weeks, we have navigated an historic shift on our daily routines, financial worry, physical health risks and for many a huge mental health challenge.

COVID-19 came upon us quite unbelievably, from living our own lives with the freedom we are accustomed to what felt like imprisonment in our home. And on top of this, taking on the role of teacher, parent, nurturer and head of the household.

In such unprecedented times, the struggle is real for so many people. Navigating feelings of worry, sadness, boredom, isolation or feeling frustrated and sometimes unable to cope daily with the pressure of so many new roles. Being surrounded constantly with media stories of death, sadness, solitude and the unfamiliar feeling of missing human touch and physical connection.

For those that suffer from anxiety or indeed any mental health difficulties, this can be an extremely difficult time. The physical sensations of restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance and muscle tension on top of the emotional turmoil of a global pandemic can be at best a huge challenge and at worst damaging.

Having the tools to cope with these feelings which we offer in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can make these problems more manageable. Taking the time to pay attention to our behaviours, our problems and our thoughts and knowing that it is possible to use strategies moving forward especially at times like this. At Impossible Mental Health, we offer tools to cope and daily practises you can incorporate to move through challenging times in a calmer, more centred way.

We spoke to entrepreneur Orla McKeating who is a single parent based in Belfast on how she used her own coping mechanisms learnt in CBT in moving through these extremely testing times.

“While there is no ideal time for something like this to happen, I do believe that where I am in terms of mental strength and ability, it came at a very appropriate time. While I’ve always coped with busying myself instead of listening to my body, I took great solace in a quieter life and having the opportunity to be truly present with my son.”

Orla is 38 years old and single mother to Elliot aged 7, owns a coffee shop and roastery and a children’s diversity storytelling group.

“Initially, I went into panic mode tried to get busy, promised myself I’d get up at 5, do work, go for a run, begin homeschooling 9-2 then chill for the afternoon. This promise of a strict routine worked in some areas and others it absolutely did not. And that’s ok. I use the CALM-G method as a coping mechanism when I feel anxiety creeping in – a tool I previously learnt in CBT sessions. Connection, Action, Learning, Meditation and Giving. I incorporated a routine – prioritising homeschooling, exercise and my own work then free time in the afternoon where I spent time with my son or doing housework. I forgave myself when I had to give Elliot a screen if I had a Zoom call, I tried to be creative in terms of play tasks for him, I baked and door dropped to friends and family and I made a point of checking in on those around me every single day. When I was experiencing worry, I reached out and spoke to a trusted friend. Those around me did the same for me and I’ve never felt more love from my community. I am practising true self-compassion, I remember that we are in a global pandemic and it’s ok to sleep in some days, to take off a day of homeschooling or to stay in our pyjamas until lunchtime. For me, I will never go back to how I lived before this and have learnt valuable lessons on how I want to be and use my time effectively.”

It is important to be aware that there are strategies available for you to understand your problems better and at Impossible Mental Health, we can offer you a set of principles through CBT that you can apply to any situation. Please get in touch to find out more.

Maybe it’s time to see what’s possible.