It seems surreal but our lives changed overnight thanks to the coronavirus. In a matter of days a national state of emergency was declared, the NBA cancelled the remainder of the season, the NCAA basketball tournament was cancelled, and celebrities like actor Tom Hanks announced that he and his wife had contracted the virus.
The coronavirus is impacting our daily lives in ways we couldn’t imagine just a month ago and this is just the beginning. People are getting sick and some are dying, the global financial markets are in free fall, schools are closing across the country, and people are working from home. We are isolating ourselves with “social distancing”. It’s just a matter of time before companies start having layoffs. In other words COVID-19 is no joke.
However a weird and unexpected thing has happened to me during this crisis. I feel less anxiety and depression than I have in years. Heck, I even forgot to take my lexapro one day earlier this week because when I woke up in the morning I didnt feel the normal feeling of dread that I’ve felt every morning for longer than I can remember.
I have no idea why but I don’t feel nearly as stressed and depressed as I was before this pandemic. This may be because I have something real and tangible to be worried about and for some strange reason this makes me less stressed and anxious. It could also be that I’ve been able to spend more time with my family than I have in years so that has been a nice change of pace.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m worried about my friends and family getting this dreaded disease but I’m not nearly as stressed as I was before. I’m also working remotely around the clock which is super stressful but for some reason it also keeps me distracted from the world that seems like it is falling apart outside my 4 walls. These are truly unprecedented and crazy times.
Could be that I am still in denial that all this is happening or maybe it’s my mind’s way of coping. Who the hell knows…clearly doesn’t make any sense. I work in retail and my wife works in the restaurant industry so we are both at risk of getting laid off in the near future. No one is going out to eat and the only shopping people are doing is to get toilet paper and Clorox wipes which are impossible to find. Thanks hoarders!
This evening I saw flashing lights outside my window and when i looked out i saw an ambulance in front of one of my neighbor’s house. My first thought was “oh no they have COVID-19”. I hope they are OK and I hope everyone out there stays safe!
Tips From the CDC on Dealing with Anxiety During the Coronavirus Update
Here are some tips from the CDC
Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.
Things you can do to support yourself
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
I am also planning to “let go and let God” during this crisis. I still plan to go to church on Sunday. I go to a very small church of less than 50 people.
Tips from the World Health Organization on Taking Measures Against Coronavirus
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
These are crazy times! Stay safe out there!
