We gradually make our steps towards recovering from the pandemic that hit us over a year ago. There is no doubt that we have been desperate to start witnessing the positive change with a lasting effect – a turning point that could lead us all to continuing with building up our hopes and planning for our futures more confidently. Whilst keeping our fingers crossed for that to happen, we remain exposed to news that brings further uncertainty, reinforcing nothing other than the reality of life’s unpredictability. As mentioned before, the message that we cannot take things for granted, was this time loud and very painful. So many had to experience great losses including those of loved family members, friends and colleagues. And for all the people affected by such losses, the idea of ‘life going back to normal’ does not really resonate, at present. In the physical absence of those dear to them, nothing feels the same or normal anymore.

It is rather a time for mourning, healing, reflection, and a time to be respectfully patient to regain the strength needed in order to adjust. We acknowledge that such experiences have left families devasted along with so many others who still struggle to cope with severe consequences and irreparable damage. We can be sensitively mindful of how we have all been affected differently in our efforts to manage our Covid-19 related circumstances. Everyone tries to adjust in their own way and some of us will need more time than others, whilst understandably many will need to do so by rushing back into their familiar ways of personal and social life. Yet others may feel compelled for the opposite.  Whatever way one tries to deal with that process of adjustment, taking enough time and making as much support available as possible along the way, will be of essence.

Antony Sigalas

Psychotherapist for the Alpha Care Counselling Services

Tel: 020 8373 6287

The ACLT Counselling Service operates Monday & Thursday