The Delta variant, renewed mask mandates, possible lockdowns, vaccination controversy, political fighting: it’s disheartening for anyone, but it can be devastating for those enduring a mood or anxiety disorder. Our friend above is thinking, “Is it ever going to end?” Hmm, how ’bout some thoughts and suggestions…
She looks frightened, suspicious, sad, frustrated, and angry. Don’t you think? She thought the virus hubbub was in the rear-view mirror. Reality has tanked her mood and her anxiety is through the roof. She needs some encouragement and hope.
COVID-19: A disappointing wave
Well, you’d have to be living under a rock to be unaware that we’ve been hit with a wave – resurgence – of COVID-19. Seems the Delta variant, mediocre vaccination participation, and summer activities have caught up with us, and life-living routines are reverting to times we’d prefer to forget.
You know, I posted my first COVID-19 piece on March 20, 2020, and the last one on September the 8th. And, go figure, here I am writing about it again – almost eleven months later.
Sure, it’s all disappointing, but really not unexpected. And it’s certainly not a hopeless set of circumstances.
Consider the Spanish flu (H1N1 influenza A virus), which infected 500 million people worldwide some one hundred years ago. The pandemic lasted from February 1918 to April 1920. And the interesting thing is, it hit in four successive waves.
Now, I’m not an infectious disease expert, and I’m not trying to make nonsense comparisons between the Spanish flu and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus). I’m simply trying to temper current expectations by pointing-out that the Spanish flu lasted two years and came in waves.
I find great value in history, and it can be comforting.
COVID-19: Riding out the wave
“Surf’s up! I’m riding this baby to the end.”
No doubt, this wave of COVID-19, and its impact upon how we live our lives, can be upsetting for anyone. But from clinical and personal experience I know such perceived catastrophes can be especially disturbing for those enduring mood and anxiety disorders. It’s just the way we’re wired.
So if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic stress, etc., and you’re finding this COVID-19 resurgence hard to handle, here are several suggestions you may find helpful. See what you think…
- Understand the nature of your disorder and how it presents in times of high stress and fear. You know how you think, feel, and behave. And you know what to challenge when it comes to your interpretations and reactions.
- Monitor your expectations. Are they accurate? Do they need to change? Mistakes here can generate all sorts of unnecessary disappointment.
- Go easy on media. Yes, you want to check-in often enough to stay informed, but don’t overdo it. The media can gum-up anyone’s head.
- Stay within your comfort zone when it comes to protective measures. Certainly, pay heed to local, state, and federal mandates; however, aside from that – do your thing.
- You knew I’d mention vaccination, didn’t you? I’m not going to make a recommendation – that’s your business. But I am going to suggest a fresh consideration of available facts, as well as an updated decision, if you haven’t been vaccinated.
- Think back to when the virus first hit. It was a mega-scary time. I mean, no one knew much of anything about COVID-19 and what to do about it. And no one really knew how it would ultimately impact the flow of life. But you know what? You survived, as you will this go-round.
Life goes on
This wave – resurgence – of COVID-19, and its life-routine interruptions, are a punch in the gut for anyone. However, we do mood and anxiety disorders here, and I know that punch is a lot more painful for those who frequent Chipur.
I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit over the past few weeks and wanted to send out this message of encouragement and hope. I really do understand.
So then, we’ll ride this wave out and joyfully anticipate the lasting end of COVID-19s crippling impact on our lives.
We’re going to be just fine. Life goes on…
For much more encouragement and hope, peruse the hundreds of Chipur titles. You’ll be glad you did.
