The 40-year-old Gibson’s background includes work as a Baylor University associate chaplain and in group counseling with people fighting substance abuse. Colleague Gabby Walker, 28, has experience with young people in work with teen support center The COVE, the Heart of Texas Autism Network and McLennan County schools.
Both have noted that the protocols to slow the spread of coronavirus, such as social distancing, face coverings and avoidance of personal contact have exacerbated some emotional problems and complicated the usual ways of addressing those problems through personal interaction.
“Because we’re a social species, we rely on connection,” Gibson said.
Without that connection, people can feel isolated and lonely, which can lead to physical disease and psychological issues if they are not addressed.
In many cases, what counselors try to do is lead callers to realize what resources they have within themselves or around them that can help.
“We try to uncover the hope within people, give them creative ways to connect with other people,” Gibson said.
But as the coronavirus crisis heads toward its first anniversary, counselors are finding some resources they have recommended starting to run dry.
“Over the last week or so, people are calling and saying, ‘I’ve tried here and here and here,'” Walker said.
