Hi everyone,
Maybe it sounds odd, but on a personal level, I’m actually not that scared of the virus itself, because I’m in one of the lower risk groups. What worries me more is the emotional toll of the actual social distancing itself, as well as the implications for higher risk groups, such as some of my relatives...
I of course understand that we need to practice social distancing to help “flatten the curve”, & I’m trying to do my part. But that doesn’t make it easy mentally...
I don’t know what to do for emotional support, as social distancing means my usual forms of support are now out of reach...literally...
Normally, I have a steady support network that I see in person. But now I have to limit direct contact with them for an indefinite period...
I know we have phones, online options, apps, etc but it’s obviously not a substitute for a hug from a friend or going to an event with friends or chatting in person with my relatives...
I miss that...
Yes, I’m keeping in touch with my friends & family, but at a physical distance and that is hard...
At the moment, I still have to go to work, but that is subject to change as we may shift increasingly to work-from-home arrangements. Being able to actually go to work is keeping me somewhat sane for now...
Busy city streets that are normally bustling with people & activity are like ghost towns lately (relatively speaking). It gives me an eerie feeling...
On the upside, seeing as I can’t really go anywhere except for work & other essential purposes, I suppose that I can spend more time on my creative passions...
On a more constructive note, my suggestions to cope might be:
- Turn to evidence-based research & medical professionals when looking for information about the virus.
- Remember that social distancing doesn’t mean complete disconnection; it just means limiting face-to-face contact. It’s not the same (I know) but we have phones & internet to keep in touch.
- Don’t forget to still try to fit in exercise & some time in nature, but maybe just try to avoid crowds.
- Meditation/grounding/breathing exercises might be good for managing heightened anxiety.
- Consider discussing the possibility of online appointments with your mental health team if necessary e.g. Skype.
- Stay informed about covid-19, but set boundaries e.g. checking once or twice daily, but not every hour.
- Have conversations about things unrelated to the virus with loved ones
Quirky: thank you for your kind words of support to me :)
Kindness and care,
Pepper