{"id":4477,"date":"2020-06-04T05:28:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T10:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=4477"},"modified":"2020-10-16T15:28:17","modified_gmt":"2020-10-16T20:28:17","slug":"conflict-during-shelter-in-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/conflict-during-shelter-in-place\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping with Conflict at Home During Shelter in Place"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Conflict<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you feel cooped up or you\u2019re home with too many people at once, it can increase the risk of conflict. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost everyone\u2019s lives in some way. At one point, nearly 95% of the country was under some kind of lockdown or shelter-in-place order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some states are slowly starting to reopen, many others are still being encouraged to stay safe at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

So, how can you cope with these familial conflicts and keep your relationships strong and healthy? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the Root Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of reasons why conflicts can arise during times of uncertainty. The conflict is like the visible part of an iceberg – we can only see a small portion of what is really going on. Try to compassionately look a bit deeper at what is below the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that stress levels are high right now. Things that might not have triggered you before could cause \u201creflexive biting\u201d right now, simply because you\u2019re on edge.  (Reflexive biting is a term used to describe how lab rats bite each other if too many are kept in the same cage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing a small space with someone can increase the risk of conflict. People need their own space and time apart, and the ability to do the things they enjoy on their own. If you\u2019ve heard the phrase \u201ctoo many cooks in the kitchen,\u201d that can apply to everyday life when you\u2019re \u2018forced\u2019 to spend every waking minute with the same people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, sharing a small space also increases the risk of emotional, mental, or even physical abuse in a familial or romantic relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, people can become easily irritable when their routine has been changed. Most people are creatures of habit. We thrive on routine. When that routine gets upset in any way, it can cause extra stress and tension within a home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what can you do to cope with conflict at home? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Care of Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things you can do to keep yourself from lashing out or causing unnecessary conflict is to take care of yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Self-care<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Self-care<\/a> is a term that seems to get thrown around a lot. But, it\u2019s so much more than just a buzz word. You can\u2019t pour from an empty cup, and you can\u2019t take care of the needs of others (including their emotional needs) when you\u2019re drained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, do what you can to take care of yourself. That might mean taking a 30-minute walk every day or meditating each morning. Try to find ways to do things you enjoy, even when you have to stay at home. Separate yourself from others for a period of time each day and reflect on how you\u2019re feeling. Read more here<\/a> if you need ideas for more self-care strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reaching Out for Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another way to cope with conflict is to reach out to others for help. Understand that you\u2019re not alone in how you\u2019re feeling. Some people can handle times of uncertainty and stress better than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re having a hard time coping, utilize whatever resources you can find. In some cases, that might mean talking to your family or friends for support. Sometimes, simply saying how you\u2019re feeling can help you to feel better and release some of the tension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, if you\u2019re really struggling with how to control conflict, it can help to reach out to a professional counselor. Again, these are uncertain times, and you shouldn\u2019t have to keep your emotions bottled up just because you\u2019re worried you might snap at someone you care about. At the same time, no one wants to struggle with conflict every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, feel free to contact me if conflict has become a problem for you. Together, we can get to the root of the issue(s), and learn about healthier ways to cope with conflict. Remember, this pandemic won\u2019t last forever. Eventually, life will return to normal \u2013 or, a new normal. In the meantime, staying as focused on a sense of normalcy as possible and learning how to deal with these challenges is the best way to get through this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n