Resilience, the Pandemic & MS: Dr Sally Shaw

From the psychologist’s perspective:

When the COVID-19 pandemic started and we knew we were in for lockdown in Melbourne, I worried that PwMS would shy away from continuing psychological support.  I thought some clients would be resistant to adapting to the world of online therapy and that some might take the option of leaving their next session until it all ‘blew over’. After all, sitting with a psychologist in the same room is integral to the therapeutic relationship isn’t it? I worried that my clients would disengage, and forgo the psychological support they would need now, more than ever.

And yes, while a few clients sent texts to that effect, and a couple said that they weren’t confident enough using the computer to do ‘that sort of thing’, I was relieved to see 90% of my clients turn up to their next appointment – even if it were over a Zoom connection – me in my study with a hastily acquired fake tree from Kmart in the background, and them from their bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms (you’d be surprised), workplaces, and cars.  And off we went together, forging a new normal for our therapy sessions – cameras on or off, microphones working or on mute by accident, and interruptions at unexpected times (including the moment when my kids deemed it ‘urgent enough’ to interrupt me in a session to ask if they could open the Lego that had just been delivered to the front door – Don’t worry, we reviewed the definition of ‘urgent’ that night at dinner).

Over subsequent months, many of my past clients contacted me to re-engage in therapy.  More than usual.  I received new referrals from GPs, NDIS Support Coordinators, MS Nurses, Neurologists.  More than usual. I had calls from people who had nothing to do with the world of MS, who were just trying to find a psychologist who had capacity to see them.  More than usual.  Living during the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of so many.  It has added a layer of complexity, overwhelm, isolation, loneliness, financial stress, sadness, uncertainty, frustration, anxiety and/or despair to many people’s lives.  You may have your own layers to add.  Vulnerability? Worry? Confusion?

So – what do we do with that?  We have discussions on an individual, family, school, health service, community, organisational, state and national level about building and maintaining resilience.  So we can face these unexpected, enormous challenges and continue on. So we can bounce and pivot.  So we can keep going.  And discussing resilience, and the positive benefits of being resilient is super important. But actually building it into our lives in multiple (and often boring) ways, is the key.  

Because it isn’t magic wand stuff.  It isn’t just a solitary act (more exercise, or healthy diet) that gives an individual resilience.  Demonstrating resilience has many parts, and thankfully we have control over lots of them.  No, not the personality variables or the genetics, but the activities that are within our control.  The ability to choose to engage in effective coping strategies that will build layers of resilience around us, keeping us challenged but safe when we need to access our resilience the most.  

In fact, a recent study published in February 2021, looked at resilience (with a focus on coping strategies) in young adults with MS living in Italy in the aftermath of the peak of the COVID-19 emergency.  

Among other questions, the study asked 247 people with MS to complete the following statement:  The strategy that has proven most useful for getting through this pandemic period has been…

What would you say?  What has kept you going? 

The study reported 12 types of coping strategies as mentioned by participants.  The top three were social support (spending time with loved ones and friends, and talking about worries), hobbies (spending time doing enjoyable activities, and learning new things) and keeping oneself busy (staying active and occupied).

40% of the respondents said that access to psychological support to deal with pandemic related fears and improve general well being was extremely important. These people with MS wanted help to reduce unpleasant emotions; build strategies to improve disease (MS) acceptance; and discuss strategies for managing the fear of being infected with Covid-19.  

So I am super happy my clients didn’t just wait for COVID-19 to ‘blow over’.  I am pleased that our community members act proactively by seeking support and talking about their pandemic related fears, building coping strategies and working on improving their resilience.  Whether that be with their own informal social supports, or with psychologists.

What have you learnt about your resilience levels during COVID?  Were your coping skills already being exercised and kept you going strong, or did you have to fight to find them, build and develop them?

This is the first feature in a series that will be authored by Dr Sally Shaw.  If you haven’t already, take some time to watch our Facebook Live broadcast with Sally, discussing similar themes, by clicking here.