Using the Recovery Model
to get through COVID-19 times
The CHIME model is an abbreviation on some of the core elements of recovery. Below explores how we can use some of these elements to get through this difficult time.
Before you read my ideas have a look at the acronym yourself and see if you can think of any of your own ideas on how these things can be helping during covid-19 times.
C Connectedness
H Hope and optimism
I Identity
M Meaning and purpose
E Empowerment
CONNECTEDNESS We need to be creative with how we can connect at these times. It is a chance to be creative though. What ideas can you come up with?
HOPE We often look forward to holidays or seeing our workmates in person. There is definitely a loss in not having those things to look forward to. It is important to acknowledge that loss. Often people say "first world problems" however, it is important to have self-compassion and empathy and grieve any losses. So hope doesn't mean blind optimism or not acknowledging the challenges. Making space for all emotions can help release those emotions so we can feel more hopeful and optimistic. Sometimes we need to talk to a professional or a friend or do journalling to process the losses so we can experience hope. Then we can create new things to be hopeful about during covid time restrictions. Furthermore, hold hope for the time in the future when restrictions ease more.
IDENTITY Identity is something we may rarely think about but it is important. The changes in the world can have an impact on your roles and identity. The changes due to Covid may actually make us feel we are not living true to who we actually are. We could help us maintain a sense of identity at this time by looking at what we usually did before covid times. Why did we do those things? What was the value that drove us to do that? For example, perhaps we used to run marathons and they have been cancelled. What do we value about running a marathon? Was it for a sense of achievement or for health reasons? If so, what could we do during covid times that could give us a sense of achievement? What could we do for our health?
MEANING AND PURPOSE When I was having a bad day in community mental health my boss would suggest I go and think about why I decided to work in this industry in the first place. I realised that it was because I want to help lessen the suffering of others. Find what is meaningful about what you do for work or study. Also think about what is your purpose in life and what drives you. Doing the Values In Action survey can make you think about what you really value https://www.viacharacter.org/
EMPOWERMENT Realise what you can control, and what you cannot control and focus on what you can control. You have choices and rights. Sometimes this is about finding out more information so you can choose from the widest possible options. Empowerment can be reframing your current situation in a way that gives you a voice and power. Doing an assertive communication course may help with your empowerment. Also consider what underdeveloped strengths we would like to develop more during this time. Also see the strengths we are currently using and notice the strengths in other people. Empowerment can relate to your internal dialogue. Talk to yourself like someone you love. Reframe your self criticisms into self compassion. You and your workplace may want to purchase a set of strength cards or search for other strength-based approach resources.
The below is not in the CHIME list but also an important part of the recovery model
SUPPORT This means a network of support for yourself and for others.
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