First let me begin by saying that it is really hard for me to blog today. Everything has really started to weigh me down, so I am hoping that by sharing some tips today, I can take my own advice and overcome my own struggles and demons. Something I am noticing about myself is that I will become anxious or overwhelmed in a split second with very little to trigger it. This happened to me while driving in town the other day. I honestly don't know what triggered it, but I wanted to yell or cry. This is becoming an
increasingly regular activity for me while the pandemic goes on. I know I am tired with going to work and homeschooling Carina, but I am always a busy person, this somehow feels different.
I don't think I am alone in this. One thing I can say for sure about living through a global pandemic, is the full realization that everyone has struggles and demons. Even those of us that are normally seen as irrationally happy or upbeat. I know I need to find a way to break through the fog that is settling in my own brain, and I would love for
you to join me and share with me what is working for you. While I do believe we are all in this together, I also know that we all don't have the same access to resources or underlying conditions. So please get involved in the conversation, we need to all help each other.
So now you know that I am struggling, but how are you faring amidst a global pandemic? According to the latest numbers from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), many are not faring well. In fact, some of these numbers see downright terrifying. Incidence of anxiety has more than tripled since the onset of the pandemic and the incidence of depression has more than quadrupled since the onset of the pandemic. A reported 1 in 10 individuals surveyed stated that they started drinking or smoking as a result of COVID. And if all of that is not scary enough suicidal ideation, or thoughts of suicide, has more than doubled since the beginning of the quarantine (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6932a1-H.pdf?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_1443138_nl_Daily-Briefing_date_20200817&cid=db&source=ams&sourceId=5135964).
All of these frightening statistics lead me to wonder, what can we do to take better care of ourselves? Of course, I am always an advocate for therapy, even if, for now, that therapy is still virtual. I am also an advocate for talking to your doctor, if you realize that any of these things are happening to you. If, however, things have not gotten unbearable yet, I have a few suggestions to keep those demons at bay just a bit longer.
1. Learn to say no. Trust your intuition when it tells you that you are being overextended and need to limit the activities in your life that are resulting in stress over joy.
2. Find an outlet that is just for you. Find an activity that helps you unplug, un-stress, and recharge even just for a little while. Most importantly, be consistent! Make sure that you are setting aside time for this “you activity” for at least 20 minutes three times a day.
3. Be grateful for the good stuff. Take out your phone and open the notes app. Every time you find yourself smiling (even under a mask) record it in a note on your phone (a physical notebook works too!). Reread all the “smiley things” every time you reopen your phone. It will keep you in a more positive place and build up your resilience for the hard stuff.
Most importantly, try to keep a positive outlook and remember to treat everyone around you with kindness and love. These things are always contagious and gets us through the rough stuff together!
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