AGOURA HILLS, California – News reports and social media feeds have been full of images of tearful reunions, joyful happy hour toasts, and other blissful scenes celebrating the return of pre-pandemic life. But for millions of people, it may not feel like there’s anything to cheer for.
Dr. Shari Corbitt, founder of Awakenings Treatment Center, a state-of-the-art restorative facility for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges in Agoura Hills, says those feelings are real – and not unexpected. For many, the road to recovery from the chaos and turmoil of the last year has only just begun.
Getting back to Pre-Pandemic Life
“It’s important to understand the collective trauma our nation, and the world, just experienced. Individuals minimize such trauma because it feels so vast, or you wonder why you’re feeling this way when everyone else seems to be thrilled,” Corbitt said. “But millions of people are feeling helpless, scared, listless, or depressed. You don’t have to suffer alone.”
The trauma can come from losing a loved one during the pandemic, long-term isolation, a job loss or change, or the inability to obtain medical care for other critical health issues given the overload on hospital and healthcare systems, Corbitt said.
A survey published in August in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found more than one in four people (26.3%) reporting symptoms related to trauma and stress. Respondents also said they had started using or increasing their use of substances (13.3%), and over one in 10 had seriously considered suicide in the previous 30 days.
Those feelings don’t go away overnight, said Corbitt, and it may be a long time before people begin to feel OK. The trauma individuals experienced and continue to go through is real, and they should get help as soon as possible.
“If you’re wondering why you’re ‘off’ or why you just haven’t felt yourself, you are likely one of many people feeling the same way,” Corbitt said. “It’s important to pay attention to those nagging feelings that aren’t easing up.”
Awakenings Treatment Center, open and with rigorous cleaning protocols still in place to help allay any safety concerns, is available to help those in need. The nurturing 13,000-square-foot facility for people struggling with mental health challenges, chronic pain, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addiction.
Clients receive a range of holistic services tailored to their individual needs, including alternative therapies such as breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness as well as the latest in neurofeedback, Alpha-Stim, and movement therapy.
–Awakenings Treatment Center is located at 28632 Roadside Drive, Suite 210, in Agoura Hills. For information on admissions, call 855-717-3268 or visit awakeningstreatment.com/admissions.
