How Can We Make Sense of What is The Truth?
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As our state prepares to reopen certain industries, I have found myself wondering where the truth is in the data and fears around the pandemic. How do we distinguish the truth from politics? Understand what is actually true versus being told to us? What is messaging and what is real?
TOOLS
There is a helpful term that us therapists love to use called gaslighting. Gaslighting in a quick definition is:
to manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity.
I know it sounds dramatic but it is what most of us have been experiencing the last few months as we try to decipher our current reality. By understanding what gaslighting is, we can understand how to navigate this confusing time. I love this article, “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting” about how we move forward as the pandemic continues into the next stage.
GRATITUDE
One my favorite lines in the article says:
Take a deep breath, ignore the deafening noise, and think deeply about what you want to put back into your life. This is our chance to define a new version of normal, a rare and truly sacred (yes, sacred) opportunity to get rid of the bullshit and to only bring back what works for us, what makes our lives richer, what makes our kids happier, what makes us truly proud.
And I truly believe this. That the last two months, as trying as they have been, have provided us with a lens. What do you miss more than anything? If you could surround yourself with 9 other people, who would you choose? For me, a trip to Trader Joe’s felt like an awakening and I pine for the day when I don’t have to dodge neighbors on their morning runs.
INNOVATION
This is a unique time in our lives when we can demand change. We have witnessed the many fissures in our institutions through this crisis and now we have many calls to action. We also have seen how things can work that we previously did not put much leverage behind - like working from home, tele-health, and much deserved attention to our service industry. Let’s not forget that we have a voice right now more than ever to truly change things for the better.
FEELS
Lastly, gaslighting will not (or does not) only happen politically. Gaslighting happens in our own households, amongst our dearest friends. Right now everyone you know may have a different reaction to this crisis, it’s seriousness and what is “okay” behavior going forward. You can be called dramatic or naive. More than ever, you have to build your own inner compass. Our blog, “Gaslighting: How Do I Know If It’s Happening To Me?” shares more tips on how to manage if you’re being gaslighted.
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