A Look Back at 2020
The title of this particular blog may force a deep sigh for many of you. I think the general consensus is that 2020 has had an enormous strain on everyone. However, I am beginning to hear stories of some folk who are finding the good in it. So in an attempt to summarize, I will list some concepts and observations from a mental health perspective that I find interesting.
Social behavior guidelines now benefit introversion as opposed to extroversion.
In the past, most would say introverted people have been forced to live in an extroverted world, creating intense anxiety and depression for many of those folk. As a result of social distancing, Zoom meetings, and the like, introverts are feeling more at home in 2020 and I’ve seen more extroverts in therapy this year.
Social interaction is no longer an easily practicable treatment for depression.
Social interaction is important for healthy emotional regulation. It creates oxytocin which heals the brain and provides the ability to become more positive. In 2020, social interaction is just not the same. Therapists have had to learn to be creative in helping clients find social interaction in order to find those bursts of oxytocin.
Traffic has been better.
For those with road rage, lighter traffic patterns have deterred emotional outbursts and given opportunity to heal some emotional anxiety.
2020 has benefited some.
For some, quarantine and our strained economy has produced new, healthier options. Forced job loss has opened new professional opportunities for some. Social distancing has severed toxic relationships for others. Likewise, others have taken the opportunity to learn new skills or be able to take online courses for a new degree.
2020 has taught many about the importance of consistent therapy.
With so many threats and uncertainty, having a professional to process the chaos and learn new emotional regulation and coping skills has been critical for those moving forward in the new normal.
There are many, many other observations, but these stand out today. More later. If you have any observations you’d like me to consider in a future blog, email me at [email protected]
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
