Coping During A Time of Uncertainty

Are you a parent, guardian, or loved one caring for a person living with a disability?  At Hope Services, we specifically work with those living with disabilities to discover and nurture their potential in the job environment and help them find work that accentuates who they are as a person.  We know that it can be challenging to navigate through unknown territory to both care for and maximize the quality of life for your loved one living with a disability, so we began a podcast to engage in this conversation and help transform the way that we all think about disabilities.

The current ongoing pandemic has affected all of us in a variety of different ways. In this episode of A Potpourri of People, Cindy and Nicole join their guest Allison, a certified rehab and mental health counselor who discusses how we can keep things together and move forward with our progress, despite the uncertain times. 

How do we engage with the idea of disabilities during the ongoing pandemic? Today, we want to focus on going back to work, isolation, and other circumstances that may have disrupted your life. Allison takes note that expectations have changed and many people have begun to feel stuck and lost without knowing what is happening next. For many individuals, being homebound is a normal part of everyday life, so their schedules and days have not changed drastically and instead have led to more understanding by those in different situations.

When it comes to mental health, it’s important to figure out a way to get a sense of community during this time. Maintaining relationships during this time is extraordinarily important to help prevent feelings of isolation. One way in which Cindy recognizes we can maintain our relationships is to make phone calls rather than text and add it to our schedules to make sure we are taking initiative for social time. 

By maintaining a schedule and routine, you’re able to take back control of your day and plan ahead for the time being. Making time to read a book, call a friend, and go outside if you’re not currently working is a great way to keep your life going without becoming overwhelmed. Remember, if you’ve got a teenager, check what opportunities are available and be sure to join Hope Services self-advocacy classes from the comfort of your own home.

Take-Away: Keep Routine

• The best thing you can do for a loved one living with disabilities right now is to keep routine, stay involved, and stay active as much as possible. Setting a schedule and sticking to it can help you continue on the path of progress.