Coronavirus Pandemic: Thoughts of a Senior

Coronavirus Pandemic: Thoughts of a Senior

The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected millions. As a senior, you might be feeling the stress, fear, and chaos as our community puts preventive measures into place. It’s a frightening time! However, it is still possible to thrive.

Colorado Springs Thriveworks believes in fighting for the whole person – physical, emotional, and mental health. By staying home, we are protecting your physical health. By offering online counseling sessions, we’re protecting your mental health.

But in a pandemic, what is mental health? How do the challenges facing seniors differ from the rest of the population?

We’ve collected the thoughts of local seniors in the Colorado Springs, CO El Paso community to highlight some of the concerns you might be facing. An online counseling session can address any number of these, as well as issues not shown here.

Colorado Springs, CO Thriveworks serving El Paso communities understands that the coronavirus is much more than a distant threat for seniors. That is why we are doing our part to flatten the curve by working at home and offering online counseling. If you have questions about online counseling, schedule an online appointment or call us at 719-266-3919

What are some of the concerns facing seniors today? 

Mental health is intrinsically linked to physical health. Taking care of both can make you healthier and happier. But with stay-at-home orders in place and social isolation becoming necessary, seniors are missing the social aspect of normal life.

“Since we’re no longer in the workforce many of us look forward to doctor appointments, hair appointments, eating out.  Now it’s just long boring days at home.” 

Loneliness, apathy, and hopelessness are all real struggles. But Thriveworks Colorado Springs wants to remind you that you are not alone! Even just calling your family or talking with them over skype or facetime can bring joy to a long day. Our counselors are also here to talk with you over the phone or using video counseling. The technology is easy to use, and we’ll walk you through the steps.

Another concern of seniors comes through the danger of leaving their home.

“I’ve become paranoid about being around other people.  For instance, when parking in a lot this morning someone in the next car got out.  My first thought was ‘oh no there’s a person!’ I waited until he was gone before getting out.  

We went for a walk on a trail and I almost felt anxious when we met someone coming from the opposite direction.  Normally we always smile and say hi or even stop and say a few words.  Now I don’t say a word and am offended when they say hi, thinking about them spreading germs.”

It can feel like everything in the world is out to harm you. This, along with a constant stream of news and little social contact, can increase anxiety. If you’re experiencing headaches, stomach pains, trouble sleeping, or constant, looping thoughts around worst-case scenarios, consider talking to a professional counselor or to a caring family member. Caution is absolutely necessary during this time, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop living.

Another concern is how changed routines will put seniors at risk for physical health concerns unrelated to the coronavirus.

“On the same trail there were steps going down.  I always hold on to hand railings because my balance and foot dexterity aren’t very good.  I walked down without holding on for fear of germs.  This could be dangerous for other seniors who feel this way.”

You’re stuck between a rock and a hard space! On one hand, going out risks exposure to coronavirus bodies. But not going out, or avoiding certain places, can be risky for other aspects of your health. It’s a balance, and one Colorado Springs Thriveworks can help you work out with online counseling.

Of course, the main concern of seniors isn’t about themselves at all. It’s about their kids. One senior summed it up nicely:

“Generally, we seem more concerned about our kid’s income and wellbeing. Which is nothing new, once a parent always a parent.”

If you’re in the high-risk group of 60+, then you’ve probably lived through a lot worse than the coronavirus. This is just another thing to deal with. The financial wellbeing of your kids, however, is something that will never wholly go away. Stress, worry, and even anxiety around your loved ones is common. While it comes from a caring heart, too much stress can start to negatively impact your health. Taking care of both your family and yourself might look like calling them regularly, talking to a counselor over phone or video counseling, or doing something creative like is recounted here:

“We miss not being able to see our kids and grandkids at will.  Nancy said [her daughter] dropped off a box of supplies (Kleenex, tp, wipes, etc.) on her front steps and picked up a box with homemade buns and cake Nancy made for her and the kids.  The kids were in the car but because of [her husband’s] health problems [her daughter] wouldn’t allow any contact. [Her daughter] is a respiratory tech and so aware of the consequences.”

The coronavirus pandemic affects everyone regardless of age. As a senior, your experience is unique and deserves to be heard. If you’re feeling trapped, hopeless, or lonely, Colorado Springs Thriveworks is here for you.

And if you’re not a senior, please do your part in keeping coronavirus contained. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and practice social distancing as outlined by your local government and health professionals. Afterall, while coronavirus may not be a life or death problem for you, it is for others.

While life today is tumultuous, together we can still live and thrive. The Colorado Springs and El Paso community has come together in a beautiful way. Together, we will come out of this pandemic stronger than before. Don’t forget, wash your hands and call a loved one today.

719-266-3919 

Support.cosp@thriveworks.com

Thriveworks Counseling Colorado Springs

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Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 21 5 1 21 reviews. See all reviews
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Jerry was Amazing!

★★★★★
Jerry was amazing! Jerry uses choice theory in order to help his patients grow and work through their problems. Choice theory was helpful through my relationship counseling but also could be used individually to helps each person grow themselves. Jerry used real scenarios in order to water down the theory, making it less scientific and more geared toward individual use. Jerry was patient, helpful, and very understanding.
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Rachel

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My therapist Rachel is the perfect therapist for me and the first one who I've told almost everything to and I could never ask for a better therapist thank you Rachel for changing my life and making a difference in my life and protecting me as well as helping and encouraging me even when I didn't wanna do your challenges cuz I didn't think I could do it and thanks for not letting me do whatever I want and helping me be a better person and thanks for your funny spider stories that cheer me up and when you were Sarcastic sometimes I love everything about you and thanks for being an Angel and for your kindness and Compassion I too have your back and care about you!
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Saved my Daughter

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Cassie has done wonders for my daughter. She has come so far in this past year. I am so thankful for the relationship my daughter and I have now. Before Cassie we were a wreck. We love so Cassie so much. I couldn't ask for a better councilor/ therapist/ mentor.
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Rehabilitation

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Thrive has helped my husband so much. He has vestibular issues and it creates bad balance problems. It also has created left side weakness and he has had to use a cane to assist him with walking and stairs. Since being treated at Thrive, he only uses his,cane with stairs now and on occasion when he isn't feeling that well. His balance has improved abiut 65% also. His moods are much better now also since he can get around better by himself! Thank you Thrive for all you have done for my husband and our family!
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I love going here every Monday it's the best thing to talk to someone that I connect with and helping me through my challenges.
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Awesome care

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Lindsay Schustedt has been seeing my 6 year old for a few months now. My daughter has been excited to go to counseling since she gets to see Lindsay. Lindsay has also been able to learn more about the issues that my daughter is experiencing. I believe that Lindsay is a very good counselor and I look forward to taking my daughter to see her in the future. I also have appreciated the communication that Lindsay has had with me regarding my daughter. Thank you Lindsay and ThriveWorks.
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The best therapists across the Front Range!

★★★★★
I was recommended to Thriveworks by District 11 for my son who is diagnosed with Autism, PTSD, ADHD and RAD. He had a quite abusive life, prior to my adopting him. Directly from the onset of my scheduling his intake to his intake appointment, my spirit felt that this was going to be the correct place for him to be. Rachel, his therapist, is amazing! The entire staff is amazing. Their communication skills are dynamic and Talon is responding so positively; actually more so than he has with any other therapy group. The focus is on his success! Success in overcoming his obstacles and in life. As a therapist, myself, I highly recommend Thriveworks! Empathy, Compassion, Dynamic abilities in using therapeutic tools and in teaching clients how to use and apply them in life.
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So thankful

★★★★★
So very thankful I chose Thriveworks and Kara Kays. Our time together was very helpful, and I made great progress. BDT was not like anything I’ve done before. Old way was to talk about the past and what made me who I am, new way is what is happening today, how can I be effective in my relationships today. Loved the learning tools, and I really clicked with Kara. Great experience
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Excellent, Compassionate Counselor

★★★★★
I have known Jerry Noel for 16 years and worked with him for 13 of those years. He is an excellent counselor who is empathetic and easily bonds with people especially adolescents. After establishing an easy, supportive rapport, Jerry can effectively guide adolescents in choices that benefits their confidence and self-esteem. I highly recommend Jerry to help others improve their mental health and lead productive lives.
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Becky is a great support.

★★★★★
Becky is a very compassionate, supportive and helpful clinical social worker.
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Counseling

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I have been working with Katrina for 2 weeks now and she is great. I feel so comfortable with her and she has so much knowledge. She is also very honest.
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Caring Listener

★★★★★
Lisa is a warm, empathetic counselor with great listening skills and helpful guidance.
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Excellent!

★★★★★
Thriveworks provides professional, yet welcoming counseling services that genuinely aid those in need. Lisa is an amazing counselor that is able to combine her knowledge and empathy to help others overcome their adversity. Her experience and therapeutic strategies make it easy to highly recommend her!!
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Exceptional

★★★★★
Becky is truly exceptional. She expresses empathy towards her clients and has great depth and knowledge of various therapeutic strategies.
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Counselor

★★★★★
I can't say enough good things about Julie! Her caring and compassion shine through in everything she does. Her experience and training working with children and adolescents is extensive. I would highly recommend her!
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THRIVEWORKS Colorado Springs

★★★★★
THRIVEWORKS Colorado Springs - a counseling office with professional, caring counselors, a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, easy appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and help with a great variety of life's challenges. WOW!
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Amazing People

★★★★★
Drew Pierce is a great individual and counselor. SO genuine and personable, look forward to working with him again.
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Good listener

★★★★★
Lisa Smith is a caring, empathetic person. I feel truly heard when I talk to her.
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Caring professional counselor

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Sara Mann is a caring, outgoing think outside of the box with great solutions orientated counselor. She is personable, humble, kind and compassionate with a commitment to helping people.
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Quality People

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Sara Mann is a quality individual. I have worked with her for years and find her to be one of the most caring and down-to-earth counselors I've ever encountered. Sara has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
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Making an appointment

★☆☆☆☆
I’ve never had a more difficult time just setting up an appointment. The lady who took my call seemed to be very inconvenienced with what I needed. There was hostility in her voice when I asked questions that she obviously deemed as common knowledge. When she finally found a counselor for my needs, and we moved to make an appointment, even though I said I would take time off work, she still seemed very rude with wanting to make an appointment. I read the profiles of many of the counselors, and they seem like wonderful people. But because of my initial contact with attempting to make an appointment, I will not be seeing anyone here.
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Thriveworks Counseling

  • 5410 Powers Center Point Suite #210
    Colorado Springs, CO 80920

  • Mon-Fri:8AM-8PM
    Sat-Sun:8AM-4PM - Closed Sunday

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