April 18, 2020
Lockdown chronicles with a psychologist is episode 3 in the series of interviews with Expats, nomads and stay at home people from all walks of life during the lockdown that is now part of our daily existence. Everywhere. Meet Gabriela, a professional psychologist originally from Chile. Listen to her Expat journey, why she left, where she moved to and what eventually brought her to Spain. She also offers great advice on dealing with mental fatigue and stress during the confinement.
Lockdown Chronicles With Psychologist Gabriela:
We are on what seems like Day 783, but in reality is actually closer to Day 36 of lockdown in Spain. High hopes abound that it will end on April 26, but the general consensus is that it will likely be prolonged by at least two more weeks. We seem to to be taking the path of Italy as opposed to the other European countries since both countries are the hardest hit. As l had previously mentioned, the “state of alarm” is only legally valid for 14 days, hence the biweekly incremental changes. The non-essential workers have been allowed to go back to work as of a few days ago. While not quite up to full throttle, I have seen a few more people on the streets.
[the_ad id=”13767″]
The police are still being vigilant though, and will stop for questioning all those that are suspect and can still fine you, so one can venture out at their own risk l suppose. We still only go out to walk the dogs once daily and grocery shop twice weekly. I keep mentioning that a whole lot of people are going to become alcoholics pretty soon (if one believes the memes), or go stark raving mad. A good example is this woman who stripped naked and mounted a police car after the daily clapping at 8PM. It’s safe to say she was probably high or drunk. Or both. My point is that l think the confinement might be getting to a lot of people.
A disturbing new trend is the disgusting acts of “neighbours” harassing already stressed workers. These twats leave anonymous notes asking them to move out of the buildings because they don’t want to catch the Coronavirus. I’m sure these are the same rotten, miserable sons of bitches that applaud nightly at 8pm. Here’s an article in English on some of the notices and vandalism. As if they didn’t have enough to worry about already.
Expat Coach and Psychologist Gabriela:
One of the reasons l was happy to have this podcast conversation with a professional was so she could offer some advice on how to cope with stress during lockdown.
Some of the talking points include:
- Her education.
- Meeting her husband and leaving home.
- Expat life and coping with a new culture and language in his country.
- How they ended up in Spain.
- What her work entails and the clientele she deals with.
- Advice on keeping mentally healthy.
- Dealing with a partner in a confined space.
[the_ad id=”14098″]
What makes Gabby unique is that she has definitely gone through Expat experiences and can empathise with her clients. I think it’s great that she can counsel in both Spanish, English and yep! even a third language. Having known her for a couple of years now, I fully get why she is great at what she does. Her counselling work is available online thanks to the internet.
Here is Episode 3 – Podcast lockdown chronicles with a psychologist:
You can find Gabby at:
Website: https://gabriela-encina.com/
Instagram: @gabriela.expat.coach
Current thoughts on the lockdown:
Personally, I am starting to feel a bit impatient, something totally new to me, and l don’t like it one bit. While l do realize l am in a fortunate position than most, I however, still feel helpless. I want to go for a long walk, not just be on the balcony. I want to walk along our Turia park which beckons me when l look to the left. I enjoy my Youtube exercise well enough, but l want more. If that makes me an complainer for wanting that, or for moaning a bit, then so be it. I can not be Pollyanna 24/7 :-). I am hopeful that being allowed to bike (keeping your distance), which is being discussed, will become reality.
A lot of my friends miss the restaurant outings and the shopping. I definitely miss margarita lunches, our foodie group outings, and the gym. I also miss going to the Spanish classes. My concern is that if they extend the lockdown, they might not consider letting people out for a little bit of fresh air like in France and Cyprus for instance. People will start rebelling, hopefully not like in the U.S. We’ve come too far for that.
I can already see the videos here and there on my feed. The fatigue is getting real and l don’t want this lockdown to be all for naught. All we can do at this point is hope that the numbers keep going down and the curve gets flattened to a point where they might ease restrictions.
[the_ad id=”14099″]
Other podcast episodes of interest:
How are you coping wherever you are? Are you finding it hard to stay cheery? Will you be doing some of the suggestions offered by Gabby to cope with the confinement or do you have other coping methods that you are willing to share with others?
[the_ad id=”13768″]
You had me laughing when you mentioned your ever lengthening scarf. The lockdown “baby blanket” I started a month ago in wild primary colors has now evolved into a full, adult size afghan and I’ll gift it as a housewarming gift to some friends before starting on baby blanket number two. HaHa. Luckily I stocked up on lots of yarn before all this began 5 weeks ago! It hit home for me when you and Gabby were discussing things to keep you busy as well as helping deal with the anxiety brought about during these uncertain times. 😀
Another point you and Gabby discussed is something Dick and I learned early during our full time travels. That is, using your words, “home is really where you are.” My way of thinking about it is, instead of a place, it’s those people and things you surround yourself with that make you feel comfortable. There’s a tremendous freedom in being able to define your home in that way so that home keeps evolving as we all do. It’s a handy mantra for us travelers and expats.
You have a real gift for listening and interviewing Kemi, and how lucky you are to have so many amazing and interesting friends. Loved this interview and hearing your laugh. Stay well my amiga!
Haha! The think is ridiculously long. I meant crochet. My friend had showed me how to curve a while ago. but alas l can’t remember :-). Haha! your blanket sounds awesome and l’m sure your friends will appreciate it. Good hindsight buying the yarn. It really does help to have something to occupy the time, even something you’re ridiculously bad at like me :-).
I’ve never been one to hold on to things, or places. Home really is where you are. I have a friend of many years who still pines for the first house that l had purchased with a friend. It was a terrific house up in the hills and had views of Universal Studios and the Valley. Thing is, we sold the house 20 years ago, and he still misses it… My housemates and l think of it fondly, but have moved on, but he can’t let go. I like that. A handy mantra.
Thanks so much for the compliment Anita. So far, it’s been going well and l am enjoying myself. All in one take… laugh, ums and all. Stay well too, and l am so looking forward to meeting up again soon.
I can’t imagine being confined in an apartment with no chance to get out unless you have a doggie excercise or grocery run, sounds tough but lives are being saved from this only option atm.
It is tough, and most especially for parents with young kids. They have not been allowed out at all the whole time. Seems like that will change as of next week to allow a short fresh air walk with one parent.
It was really nice to listen to a psychologist’s advice and insights on the situation. I do believe that in most cases it is indeed doable: especially if you have some extra space to get that important alone time. Some people don’t really need that (my wife, lol) but as long as they understand that some might (myself :D) everything is going to be OK. Great podcast, as always!
Thanks for listening C. I am having so much fun listening to how others are doing in these times, and it was nice to hear from a professional. Coincidentally, one of my online friends wrote to ask how Fede and l cope with being together all the time because she and her friends were having a hard time… and l referred her to this podcast which came out on the same day. I actually thought she was pulling my leg at first… hahah!. For sure l think we will all survive this if we approach it the right way.
Thanks to Gabriela for her tips and advice, I particularly like the one on the “partner overdose”…boundaries and communication are very important indeed at these lockdown times. Funny that her and her Austrian husband end up in Valencia, even though they had chosen Malaga as a place to live. Great podcast, thank you KemKem.
Yes, it’s quite hard for people unprepared to be thrown together in a small space, no matter how long they’ve been together so it takes a little bit of adjustment. I know right? Finding out that they had also rejected Malaga like we did was wild. Malaga is just one of those places where you either love it or don’t, but there was just something about it that didn’t click for me or Federico. On the other hand, coming to Valencia, I fell in love straight away…much earlier than he did. Thanks for listening.