August 2020
It is August 31st. We have been managing the additional stress of a pandemic for about six months now. The indefinite- ness (made up word) of this pandemic is almost too much to handle. We are told to be grateful and I am, but it is hard, some days, to hang on to. We are told to be kind, “in a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind”, I see this message over and over, but one minute I feel kind and the next I feel mean.
Indefinite Not Knowing
Getting used to not knowing when this pandemic will end, or if it will end, is a challenge most days. If one was dealing with depression or anxiety, this certainly brings it front and center. If you have others counting on you in any way, you might be pretending to be okay, which is also exhausting. This guide by the National Alliance on Mental Illness is helpful. NAMI has a lot of helpful information about mental health and resources to support folks impacted by mental illness. And that means everyone.
Strong Emotions
If you experience strong emotions about COVID there is nothing wrong with you. If you are unable to calm down and breathe, you can call or text The Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also has a list of hotlines to call for support. These options are available for all, even if someone you know is struggling, you can reach out for assistance.
Ambiguous Loss
We can sometimes point to what makes us feel depressed or anxious and sometimes we cannot. Overall, a pandemic is enough to fill us with dread, but what are the other things we are grieving? This article is helpful in identifying some of the reasons we might feel “awful”. The author, Tara Haelle is a science and health journalist. We have made it to August 2020 and I believe we can continue, but we must seek support.