The clinicians at MAPS Counseling Services in Peterborough are treating patients of all ages and backgrounds virtually during the pandemic, and encourage residents to accept stressors like anxiety, depression, stress, fears, bad dreams, family conflict as normal parts of life, and give themselves some self care during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

School-aged students miss their friends and talk about how they struggle with completing school work when they are at home and not in the classroom near their teacher. Many worry about getting sick or having a loved one affected by the COVID-19 virus, LICSW Susanne Riemer said. Adults talk about how each day feels like every other, since they rarely leave home, and notice increased or decreased sleep, which can indicate depression.

Isolation can increase urges to drink or misuse other substances, as well as increase symptoms of anxiety, mental health and addictions counselor Jill Burns said. People who had their addictions under control are reporting an increase in cravings and some have even relapsed, she said, and teletherapy can offer support to people struggling with the stress of life during the pandemic as well as addictions.

“A lot of my clients are struggling with feeling unmotivated, then being hard on themselves for not getting everything done. It’s important to remember that what is happening now is new, stressful, and can be scary,” LICSW Julie Higgins said, and that many feel a need to meet parenting, schooling, and work obligations “the right way”. “Feeling unmotivated, not completing all tasks, feeling sad, anxious and frustrated is expected and okay. Take this one day at a time, connect with others, and practice self-compassion,” she said.

“Although this pandemic and physical distancing are fearful and challenging to all of us, there is always wisdom to gain, growth that can come from facing these challenges with hope,” Louise Howlett (M.Div, LMFT) said.

“We owe it to ourselves to reach out for [help] when we need it, through counseling, connection to family and friends, and our spiritual resources,” LCMHC and Maps’ newest clinician Cecelia Goldfuss said – while maintaining safety and health.

MAPS Counseling Services can be reached at 924-2240.