The last few months have been difficult for theAmerican people. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taken the already existing mental health crisis in America and put it on steroids. What’s interesting is no one had time to prepare for the Pandemic’s effects, especially the current and unforeseen impact on mental health in our country. Before COVID-19, we saw high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, but with the virus’ effect on the economy, losses of all sorts, and stay at home orders, the rise in statistics are staggering. Fear and panic have caused widespread feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness as people continue to self-isolate and practice social distancing. Some have been devastated by it. Without question, health professionals are needed now more than ever to be attuned to mental health issues and needs. It’s also time to double down on our self-care, continue our education, update our referral and resource lists, and evaluate how to best help people most impacted.

Even more, as healthcare providers, leading others through unprecedented times also means that our lives have been upended too. Clinics and practices have made mass transitions to telehealth platforms to help ease the accessibility and continuity of care. While these platforms made it easy for some to access care from home, those in low income, rural or the elderly, may not have the resources needed to adapt to the shift to telehealth, exacerbating their already existing health and mental health challenges.

Stepping into the moment, now is the time to attune ourselves to the rising tide of mental health concerns and shepherd others to recovery. Once the initial shock wears off, the so-called “new normal” will be jarring. Here are some special takeaways helpful in navigating the current crisis include:

It’s easy to rattle off what’s been taken from us—concerts, vacations, weddings, graduation, a favorite restaurant, community swimming pools. Doing a reframe can help recast the moment into something positive. The pan-demic has offered a reset around issues such as time with family, getting outside, and more. Helping clients stay positive and reframing their mindset is essential. Remind them what worked in the past and talk through new ways to tap into healing. Therapists are creative problem solvers- and as Christians, we must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we work with our clients to establish new healthy routines.

This Pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint. While we do not know when this will end, you are not going to white knuckle it through coronavirus caring for others tirelessly and deal with your own mental health later. The Dr. Lorna Breen incident in New York was a stark reminder of this. She was a heroic ER doctor in Manhattan who took her own life in the heat of the COVID-19 Pandemic. You cannot pour from empty cups. Be sure you have safe people who love you or a mental health professional who can help you process your own emotions.