Northwest Arkansas mental health expert on coping with fear and anxiety
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists and with the rise in protests over the death of George Floyd, a local therapist provides tips for staying mentally healthy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists and with the rise in protests over the death of George Floyd, a local therapist provides tips for staying mentally healthy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists and with the rise in protests over the death of George Floyd, a local therapist provides tips for staying mentally healthy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists and with the rise in protests over the death of George Floyd, a local therapist provides tips for staying mentally healthy.
Shakira Eakins, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist at Eason Counseling and Associates in Rogers, told 40/29 News what she’s seeing with her clients in this intense, emotional time.
“Regardless of race, I'm seeing just some emptiness,” Eakins said. “People might not necessarily be showing depressive symptoms. Everybody is just tense and almost vibrating -- buzzing -- because the whole world is buzzing.”
We all share the common bond of living in unprecedented times. However, she said, we all handle it individually.
“We all have our own experiences and our overall cultural histories with the events that are going on. And so we're going to process differently based on where we're coming from as a culture.”
Eakins said during this time it’s also important for different cultural communities to have productive conversations.
“Just listening, understanding that somebody's life is theirs. They didn't live your life. You lived your life. And so being able to listen to each other and say, ‘Okay, that was your experience. I respect that, even if we don't agree.’ It's okay to not agree. Our world is diverse for a reason.”
She said it’s easy to get overwhelmed in this kind of world temperature. In her sessions, she tries to keep people as present-focused as possible.
“Because for a few of my clients, especially if they're activists themselves, then it's, ‘Okay, how are we taking care of ourselves now that you've done this big thing? How are we taking time away to process?’”
There’s an endless stream of social media posts and intense arguments in addition to protesting and COVID-19 restrictions. If feelings of desperation start to overcome you, Eakins offered some takeaways.
“When getting overwhelmed with the world, focus on the things that do bring you some, at the very least, calmness -- if not some joy. Different people will read books in their backyard, connect with family. Rely on that support system, those people you trust the most.”
She said it’s also important to seek help.
“Pay attention and take care of yourself. If you have access to services, access them. You're going to meet with people that aren't biased and they’ll meet you where you are.”