COVID-19 Impact: Trauma Therapy and Mental Health
When COVID-19 hit and shelter-at-home orders began on March 24 in Kansas City, MO, we knew our low-income and already vulnerable neighbors would soon find themselves in even more desperate circumstances. That time is now.
COVID-19 has gone from what seemed at first like an inconvenience, to a life-altering challenge for our neighbors, and you can see it in the numbers: from June 1 to July 25, we have seen a 56% increase in new clients seeking social services.
All this month on our blog, we are sharing the impact COVID-19 is having on our neighbors. So far we’ve covered housing instability, client needs, and the changes in Thelma’s Kitchen.
Today, we are turning our attention to the frontlines and interviewing Sylvia Goodloe (LCSW), Mental Health Services Manager and Clinical Therapist here at RS, who works alongside her team day in and out to help our neighbors gain stability, work through past traumas, and find a healing community.
What changes have you made to the trauma therapy program to continue serving clients during COVID-19?
Sylvia: The biggest change has been implementing teletherapy (videoconference). There are pros and cons to it. It’s great to have communication with clients, of course. But it’s also difficult because it’s not always technologically accessible.
Some clients really want to do face to face and are anxious to get back. Many miss group therapy a lot. Folks miss out on the camaraderie, sharing space together, and have to learn a new way to manage without the healthy outlet of their healing community.
How have you seen client needs, attitudes, & overall mental health evolve over the course of COVID-19 and the shelter at home order?
Sylvia: At the beginning, clients had the attitude “I’ve been through worse.” But as reality sunk in that we were all stuck at home, slight depression started to set in. A couple of clients mentioned they had loved ones who got infected by COVID-19 as well, and that carried with it fear and worry.
Having to be at home constantly and not having contact with friends and family is starting to wear on people emotionally. I’m getting reports of “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t focus. I can’t concentrate. I can’t seem to get things done.” It seems like depression is starting to set in and they don’t realize it. I always remind them that it’s not just them and that we are all going through this together and we need to stay connected as best we can.
People just seem stuck: literally and figuratively. They have to stay at home and it feels like there’s nothing to do.
What do you say to encourage clients to stay healthy, happy, and sane during COVID-19?
Sylvia: Be creative in how you spend your time. And be ready to make adjustments.
I encourage folks to begin to adapt to our new normal, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Think of ways to be flexible so things aren’t as stressful. Go with the flow a little more and get ahead of your situation. Plan & organize as much as possible and be ready to readjust.
As an example, one client has an 18 year old son with mental illness and disability. She has had to make adjustments at work. She has cut down her hours in order to be with her son more because he needs her there for his needs.
Another client is staying at home and being active in the community with reservation, similar to her old patterns, but with more precaution. Those who are doing well are not holding tightly to their plans and are instead going with the flow.
I end every therapy session with this advice: make every adjustment that you need to cut down on the stressors you experience
What has been one of the biggest changes in client’s lifestyles during COVID-19?
Sylvia: This pandemic blindsided parents. If we adults are having trouble dealing with this stress, imagine how children must feel. Children are worn out and tired.
I encourage parents to find a new routine and refresh it every few weeks. I have kids at home and I know how much work it is, I didn’t expect to be a homeschool teacher this year! This season is forcing all of us to grow and can teach us about how to treat ourselves and our loved ones with grace.
How are clients planning for the rest of the year given that things may get worse before they get better?
Sylvia: I think people are trying to take it day-by-day, which is what I encourage people to do because thoughts can get overwhelming. If you’re already dealing with your own mental health burden, it can quickly get out of hand to wonder “What if this happens? And then what if I get COVID?”
Instead, we are making plans together a month at a time. We are breaking down long term goals into action steps, and instead of focusing on what isn’t working, we are focusing on what is working.
Thank you, Sylvia, for the work you do to support and advocate for our neighbors in need.
If you find it on your heart to support the life-saving work that Sylvia and her team do, please consider making a donation to Reconciliation Services. For as little as $25 a month, you can help families in Kansas City get the resources and support they need to make it through these difficult times. Thank you.