The Anxious Therapist

I had a session today with a client, and like most therapists working with clients during this season, we were discussing survival, of course. This amazing client made the comment that “we are all in the same boat.” I nodded my head, but it really got me thinking. Are we all in the same boat? Because from where I’m sitting in my comfy bed, scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram feeds, we are most definitely not all in the same boat.

I know people who are working because their jobs are considered essential. I know people within that population who hate that they are considered essential because they fear that they may bring home a virus that can have tragic results, and then I know others within that population who feel nothing but blessed that they are able to continue helping people, continue providing, continue some sort of semblance of normalcy. I know most people vacillate between the two.

I know people who are struggling to make ends meet because they aren’t considered essential workers, and are drowning in the struggle or not being able to provide financially, or struggling emotionally, mentally, and even physically with not being able to go to work, or have the resemblance of “normal”. I know people who are beyond thankful to not be considered an essential worker, so that they can spend more time with their families, and not feel the guilt or pressure of possibly bringing home a virus that could seriously impact a family member or loved one. I know most people waver between the two.

We aren’t in the same boat, guys. Some of us are floating by in something that looks too much like a yellow rubber ducky, and some of us are cruising by in yachts. Some of us are frantically tossing water out of our boats by the bucket loads. Some of us are sinking, some are swimming, and some are floating along, grabbing a life vest for dear life, waiting for the tides to change.

The storm may look the same, but our boats are different. And whatever your boat might look like during this season, remember: this too shall pass.