The anxiety and fear that the coronavirus pandemic is producing seems to be intensifying the longer we have to sit with our new reality.  It’s clear that many of us are worrying about life and death issues for ourselves or those we love, as well as the long list of unknowns to face after this is "over." But what might be less obvious are the emotions that come with the long list of things we've lost.

Psychologists have a word for these feelings associated with loss. It's called grief.

In this episode, Dr. Denise Bickel helps us understand that it's important to acknowledge and grieve what the pandemic has taken from us. Whether it's our inability to keep our routines (and the comfort that comes from doing so), big life event celebrations, or our sense of security - the losses are real. Grieving them will help us move forward and, as Denise explains, help us create a new post-corona normal.

Guest:
Dr. Denise Bickel, PhD, MSW, LCSW, has decades of experience as a palliative care social worker and is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Denise is also an avid Crossfit participant and former triathlete and marathoner. She is also Robin's mentor.

SHOW NOTES:

4:15 Do you feel like you're on the verge of losing it? (Join the club!) This explanation why might surprise you.

8:45 Listen to this checklist of behaviors to learn if you're struggling with grief and didn't know it.

9:15 Denise shares the one quote about control that you'll never want to forget.

10:45 We can't control the coronavirus, but what can we control to help process the grief that this new reality has brought us?

14:30 Are you holding in your tears? Burying your emotions? Here's the permission you need to cry when you need to cry and to sit with your feelings when you have them.

16:00 Waiting for this to all be over and for life to go back to normal? You might consider Denise's expertise on this subject to help you better prepare for what's ahead.

19:45 Find yourself in need of a counselor? Listen to these tips on how to find one rather than letting our emotions overwhelm us.

21:30 Why you should give yourself the grace to feel what you're feeling, rather than "shoulding" on yourself.

24:00 Don't miss this EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of this podcast!

Want to connect with Robin and Rachel?
Find them on Instagram here:
https://instagram.com/theproblemwithperfect?igshid=9jvum57yip6l

Interested in reading Robin's blog post about COVID-19:
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Interested in having Robin speak at your next event? Connect with her on Facebook at Robin May Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/2330042033706535/posts/2871699789540754?sfns=mo
or on Instagram at:  https://ww.instagram.com/p/B3lFRS8HELd/

Connect with Rachel and her life at the loft:
https://instagram.com/rachel__leigh__?igshid=1erbjftzgyje9
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Email us @[email protected] with your questions or comments about this or any episode.