This affects people in different ways. Those who still have a regular income do not have the financial stresses as those who do not.
For business owners, this is a crisis of huge proportions. Many fear losing their businesses, yet will still have to repay outstanding debts after any deferrals. Suddenly their staff is unemployed. There is also the health scare; like an invisible enemy is stalking us.
The psychological effects will be profound. For those who live alone, there are no more hugs from friends and family. Many older people do not use technology, so are even more isolated.
For some, home is not a safe environment. There may be physical or emotional abuse. Alcohol used to deal with the stress only exacerbates the tensions already there. Teachers and neighbors can no longer know if children are being abused, so cannot access help for those kids.
For young people their world has turned upside down. The structure that schooling and extracurricular activities brought to their lives is gone. My grandson asked my daughter, “Will I ever be able to see my friends again?”
For adults, when they cannot work, attend social gatherings or church, there can be a sense of a loss of identity. Many keep busy as a way to push emotions down, but with isolation their emotional issues come to the fore. Researchers have found a consistent relationship between social isolation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
So, what are we to do? Eckhart Tolle said “Life will give you the most useful experience for the evolution of your consciousness.” In simple terms, we can understand what this means in our current circumstances. An evolved consciousness means not hoarding, not price gouging, beer companies producing hand sanitizers and healthcare workers showing up for work. It means caring for others and doing all we can to help in our own way.
It is less evolved to lie about symptoms to get on a plane, or to ignore self-isolation and putting others at risk.
There is talk of a pandemic of fear, loneliness and worry. However, I also see a pandemic of working together, caring for others and kindness.
To calm ourselves, try to stay in the present moment. Am I okay right now? Practice loving kindness, towards others and yourself. Opening the heart this way is calming, while contracting in fear increases tension.
Download my free MP3 on Releasing Stress and tell others about it. Listen at least once a day. The link is http://gwen.ca/product/releasing-stress-mp3-gift/
Though it might seem like the end of the world, it is not. Be well and take care of each other.
-Gwen Randall‑Young is an author and award‑winning Psychotherapist. To obtain books, cds or MP3’s, visit www.gwen.ca
