Why It’s Okay Not To Be Okay During This Pandemic

Initially, everyone was anxious about the Covid outbreak. Dramatic changes to our lifestyles were enforced almost overnight. Gradually people developed a new ‘normal’ and prepared for the long haul. At this stage, it can be harder for people to recognise why they are not coping with their lives. This article discusses some of the reasons why it’s understandable that people struggle.

Relationships Can Become Strained

The professionals have much to say during this time. If you decide to click here, you can learn that the experts say people may be experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. This can also affect their relationships with others. They recommend that people implement a recovery plan so they can get through these issues. 

Many families have been thrown together 24/7, creating a pressurised environment. Children have been home from school while parents have struggled to combine home schooling, home care and work. Bored or highly energised children can become fractious, and partners develop a short fuse with one another. 

When the family is caged up together it can be difficult for everyone to find their own space, and it’s harder to go anywhere in the evenings for a break. 

Working From Home Isn’t Always Easy

Introverts who live alone may be happy working remotely. This is not true for others who prefer the daily connection they experience with colleagues. 

Not every job has the potential for working from home. If it does, there may not always be a suitable area to use as an office. People who work from their bedrooms may have trouble switching off and sleeping at night. 

Friction can also occur within the household if boundaries are not put in place. Anyone working at their desk can understand how disruptive it can be when a partner or child walks in with a question or demand. 

Sleep Loss Often Occurs During These Times

Our normal routines used to involve going to and from work or school. We’d pop out for a coffee, or have a meal with friends. Other people regularly went to the gym or social clubs.

Now that people are advised to stay at home as much as possible, they are less physically tired at the end of the day. Older children with no school the next day will be tempted to stay up and watch the television later than normal. 

It’s when we sleep that we can no longer run from our issues. Any worries springing from our everyday lives can come to the surface during the night and keep us awake. 

Health Can Become A Real Issue

People are wise to fear Covid and to take responsible steps to avoid infection. The worry will still be there, both for ourselves and our family and friends. Those who have secondary illnesses already will pose an even higher concern. People with elderly relatives experience a double-whammy where they are concerned about their health but are less able to visit and care for them. 

When people are unable to exercise as much, they become unfit and overweight. Each day is Groundhog Day and some people eat to reward themselves, comfort eat, or alleviate boredom. Other people drink more alcohol than usual to dull the emotional pain they are experiencing, and to feel less stressed. 

There Can Be Financial Concerns

Some people have been able to continue working throughout the epidemic, resulting in fewer money worries. Others have had to try working from home to sustain an income. Remote-working jobs have become gold dust for those who desperately need to find alternative income sources.

Many folk have been unable to get away and have a holiday, due to financial issues and travel restrictions. Many people have used their savings as a financial buffer to get them through the pandemic. Even those who are financially stable without work are not exempt from what’s happening in the national and global economy. 

People Feel Lonely And Isolated

When people have less human contact it can have a negative impact on their mental health. Not only do they see fewer people outdoors, but if they do they have to immediately think about self-distancing. People with existing mental health issues have found that pandemic conditions can be a breeding ground for extra anxiety. 

Technology, fortunately, offers the option for people to communicate by Facetime, Zoom and other applications. These have their place but are still inferior to actual physical contact with other humans. 

It’s clear to see that people are not unusual or failures if they admit to their present struggle. The way forward is to obtain professional help when it is needed, and to maintain a connection with others as much as possible. Boundaries need to be set in place for life at home including work, and routines for disciplined eating, drinking and sleeping.