Did we really spend all last year trying to make sense of the world only to find ourselves here once again? If it feels like we’ve been on hold for far too long listening to that same tone, stop and start up again. We’ve all been listening to that message telling us that our call is important and that they will be with us shortly…just hold on a little longer. We’ve been on hold, waiting our turn until 2022, when everything should go back to being normal again.
We’re not in 2020 anymore. So why does time feel so warped? It’s like we just keep living the same year again and again. 2021 was like a carbon copy of 2020, but hopefully, not a foreshadow of what’s to come. Here we are, now three months away from 2022, and we are still processing 2020.
Pushing through is what it all boils down to. Many of us are probably not experiencing the cognitive strain quite as much as others, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t feeling anything at all.
To say that it’s been frustrating waking up to the same old same every day for the past 21 months would be an understatement. For those who eventually took the more optimistic route, we saw the time under quarantine as an opportunity to do and learn new things. Many people picked up new hobbies, hiked for the first time, and spent more quality time with family.
For a while, we were rolling well with the changes. We found ways to lessen both the stress and boredom. But now it’s like we were just going through the same routine over and over as the brain fog continues to seep in.
We’re all experiencing brain fog these days, having trouble focusing and looking forward to the future. The feeling that we lack full mental clarity is not just about the fact that we feel like we’re living in a time warp. Instead, it’s the massive mental impact of everything concerning COVID combined. It’s that we spend more time on our computers and phones now and less time with friends. We’re experiencing more stress and boredom due to less gym and travel time. Feeling alone, underneath our masks, it’s hard to feel like we’re doing anything but enduring the things we once loved.
There’s been a significant decline in mental health everywhere. More people have picked up poor habits in terms of diet and exercise. And without the people and things that once uplifted us and kept us going, it’s become harder and harder to think positively in the face of all this stress and disheartenment. Every day we’re reminded to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds. Wash, rinse, repeat. The story of our lives.
So how do you push through? And more importantly, how can you stop living in 2020?!
We all need a change of pace, and maybe that change can come from even more new hobbies, family time, or something as simple as more self-care. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding ways to occupy and take care of your mind. But the essential thing is to remember that we don’t have to wait for time to start working with us again. It is possible to move on from 2020 by making the most of what we have right now.
Instead of viewing life as something you’re merely pushing through daily, think about what you can do to start thriving. Maybe you start an online business or side hustle – something you would have never considered before all this. Whatever you do, go ahead and set goals for the upcoming year, just as you usually do. Know that you can stop living in this warped time of year and start getting excited about living again by focusing on everything within your control. It may not feel like it now, but you will get through this. You’ve come too far to give up now.
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
Powered by Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Reviews
