Are You and Your Partner on the Same Page about the Pandemic? 

Needless to say, living in the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic comes with its share of challenges, and added stress at home. Many of our homes have become offices, schools, daycares, summer camps, theaters, and restaurants, and we are multitasking all the time. We have been spending more and more time with the people we live with, which sounds like a great thing, but it also means there’s little to no time for self-care or alone time. If that’s not enough, what happens when you and the person you live with are not on the same page about the pandemic and taking precautions? As the state continues to unlock, the question becomes: is it actually safe to leave our homes? Your safety is in your own hands now, and should be a topic of discussion with your live in partners.  First, take the temperature of your anxieties and that of your partner. Talk about what your current thoughts are on the pandemic. Discuss what your fears are for moving forward. Discuss your levels of confidence in how you’ve been handing it thus far. Odds are these thoughts and feelings have changed since we started this process in March.  Next, apply the treatment for these worries. Truth is, just because places are open, doesn’t mean we need to venture forth. Talk to your live in partner about where you're comfortable going, or not. Agree on your policies as a couple for wearing masks. Discuss the places to continue to avoid, the precautions you would like each other to follow, basically, develop a dynamic COVID-19 prevention plan.  Lastly, treat your symptoms! Talk about what your needs are and what about the current quarantine situation is no longer working for you. Maybe watching Netflix together every night was amazing at first but now your starved for some alone time. Maybe you haven’t been keeping in contact with family members and friends as much and you feel more isolated. Perhaps, its time for a break from the news and social media to declutter your mind from the influx information. Recheck those quarantine to-do lists and see where you left off so that you can start crossing tasks off again.  Most importantly is to listen attentively and whole heartedly to each other. Listen to understand, rather than to defend your own perspective. Looks like we are in for a longer ride than expected, but we will get through this together.  Remember we at Caring Therapists of Broward and Palm Beach are here for you, in the office and via telehealth, always!  

Fatima Khan-Ali, LMFT

I’m Fatima, a south Florida native with ties to the Caribbean, and I absolutely love what I do! Since graduating in 2011, I have had the pleasure of helping so many achieve their goals. I have helped teens and adults work through and overcome symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, academic troubles, addiction and relationship/marital problems. In addition, I have helped empower women of all cultures to speak up for themselves in their relationships and places of work, and to overcome women’s issues in general. For more information, visit: https://caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/fatima-khan-ali-lmft-therapist