Ask for more, please.

Hi, I’m Grumpy!

Doc. Grumpy. Bashful. Happy. Sleepy. Sneezy. Dopey.

Nope, I’m not naming the 7 Dwarves. Those are the 7 characters I’ve been playing since social distancing and the stay-at-home advisory in Massachusetts began. Honestly, I can experience up to all 7 on a daily basis, sometimes multiple times a day. I try to limit my “Doc” moments, and I promise it’s allergies (more “Itchy Eyes” than “Sneezy”…). “Dopey” came with the influx of gluten I’ve consumed (brain fog is a pain), and “Bashful” rears its head as stress from uncertainty. There are plenty of days that I am more “Happy”, and many other days when “Sleepy” and “Grumpy” run the roost.

Please note that I am not making light of mood disorders and personality disorders. What I am noting is that it is understandable, valid, and normal for each and every one of us to be having a difficult time coping and managing our emotions - whether we’re diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis or not.

I have no problem admitting to the challenges I am experiencing right now. Even mental health professionals have tough days (my friend Emily calls it “having a day”) - that’s why most of us have our own therapists and have to actively practice the coping skills that we share with you! However, I’m noticing that my usual go-to skills and practices aren’t working as they usually do; and I don’t think it’s fair to expect them to (read my last post on altering our expectations during this abnormal time).

It is okay to need more right now. There are plenty of resources available to help you find the “more” that you’re looking for. Here are some resources I suggest exploring:

William James INTERFACE Referral Service connects residents of many towns to mental health providers and resources. They are currently providing updated information and coping resources on-line, no matter where you live.

Zencare has been a helpful resource as a provider, but I’ve found this specific blog post helpful as a human. Read the whole thing, and scroll to the end for on-line support groups (from Zencare’s homepage you can also find a listing of support groups in Boston).

The UnLonely Project has increased its mission to tackle loneliness through this isolating time. It is offering a whole on-line community to connect to through creativity challenges, film screenings, music, story telling, and personal check-ins.

And lastly, if you have questions about the nuts and bolts (finances, unemployment, etc), you may find some answers here.

However it is you’re feeling and whatever it is you need, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. And when you think you’ve asked for too much, ask for more.