These are complex, critical, confusing times, filled with collective unease. Many of us have never before faced something so massive and threatening on a social, economic, physical, and psychological level. My aim with this article is to reflect on how the same situation can affect us differently depending on our personal history, internal and external resources, and current circumstances—and to awaken, in each person, the learning that may unfold.
In recent online sessions, some of my patients have shared how the COVID-19 situation is causing anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, and appetite changes—either loss or increase. All of these physical symptoms are typical of stress. Not being able to go outside (to walk and breathe fresh air), have physical contact, enjoy the benefits of exercise and other activities, takes a real toll.
One very important dimension of the human being is the body. If we don’t work with it, it stores a huge amount of energy that can explode if not channeled properly. Stretching, dancing, jumping, singing… can be incredibly helpful in releasing tension and feeling lighter.
Many of the people I work with suffer—under the same scenario—from obsessive thoughts and negative mental loops that threaten their belief systems and confidence in themselves and others. This symptomatology affects the cognitive sphere and clouds clarity when making decisions, finding solutions, or developing discernment. They tend to read excessive news, talk only about COVID-19 and its consequences…
Undoubtedly, our capacity for reasoning is what sets us apart from animals, but excessive mental activity in our daily lives can be harmful to our well-being. That’s why changing focus—by connecting more with our emotions, with others, or with our bodies—can be very helpful for this type of patient.
Others, in contrast, tell me they’re experiencing more intense and frequent emotional variability than ever before: mood swings, sadness, anger, feelings of helplessness… In general, a deeper emotional fragility. These patients often find themselves involved in relationship, family, or work conflicts automatically if they don’t consistently manage their emotional world.
Another vital human dimension is emotions, affection, and the ability to empathize. If we don’t give emotions the attention and care they require, our quality of life can deteriorate. Self-centeredness can negatively affect those who are highly emotional, so looking beyond oneself is often a good recommendation. Creative activities as a form of emotional expression are also highly beneficial in these cases.
On the other hand, patients with deeply traumatic pasts face this situation with flashbacks, recurring memories, and constant states of alert. Any sudden noise or light scares or unsettles them. These are people who have gone through severe trauma in their personal histories—wars, chronic illness, or growing up in fragmented, dysfunctional families where physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse was common.
Another essential human dimension is relationships—with others and with our environment. When relationships offer a safe framework, trust grows and allows for openness. Otherwise, defense mechanisms take over, leaving us blocked, disconnected, dissociated, and burdened with feelings of loneliness and non-belonging.
In such cases, it is vital to remain as present as possible—take deep abdominal breaths and connect with stimuli and people that bring safety and calm.
Each case requires a completely different psychological approach, and it would be overly ambitious to try to cover them all in a single article. However, what I hope to inspire with this text is that everyone can identify how their vulnerability manifests, how and when it gets activated—without judgment or self-criticism.
Some cry alone at night when no one sees them…
Others tremble the moment they wake and think about their day…
Some can’t find the energy to get out of bed and punish themselves for everything they didn’t do right yesterday…
Others feel unappreciated by their partners or avoid problems until their bodies express the pain through illness.
There are many ways to fall—but also many ways to rise. And this is only possible if we consciously choose the path of self-awareness and self-care. Let’s be creative and courageous in that decision. Small steps toward a big goal. No one climbs Everest in a single day.
Willpower, consistency, effort, and trust must be our internal resources.
I invite you not to focus on the fall, but on how we can come out of it stronger. Vulnerability is part of strength—as many Eastern philosophies teach.
And now, how do we begin this process? It starts with a shift in attitude. Leaning into something more experiential and open is key. We are beings who learn through experience. Let’s relearn.
Let’s try what helps us, what connects us, what nourishes and strengthens us… and choose those activities, places, and people.
There are many ways to feel well—and they are simpler than they seem.
A meaningful conversation, a hot shower, a nourishing meal, a loving touch, a song, a book, watching the sunset (even from the window)…
Let’s learn to simplify our strategies for well-being. Let’s relearn how to find meaning in life, and stop undervaluing the everyday.
May this period of confinement serve as a chance to know and care for ourselves—first individually, then collectively. Only then will we be able to engage in an exchange that is authentic and unconditional.
Because, whether we like it or not, we are all part of a whole. And every relationship (including the one with ourselves) is a mirror where we can choose to project light, health, love, trust, positivity, calm, understanding, and respect.
It’s well known: we are what we think, feel, and do.
Try changing just one of those elements—and see what remains. I hope you find something you love so much that it becomes a habit. And from there, may you offer well-being to yourself and to others in these difficult times.
I truly believe—and see it every day in my practice and my personal life—that it’s not so complicated…
We spend decades accumulating experiences, knowledge, and relationships, but we rarely dedicate the same time to letting go and connecting with the essence of who we are—which is far more magical and direct than we’ve been told.
Let’s simplify. Dare to try?
