Waves of Fear

When first sequestered I was asked to call forty people and ascertain how they were feeling and if they had special concerns that needed to be addressed. Most all responses were upbeat. I was told they were fine, establishing a routine, and enjoying the quiet of being home. Some worried about the future but not very much for it was difficult to image the country falling apart. Now, two months later, I contacted the same people to see if they were still OK. This time I received descriptions how fear washed over them in waves. They are tired of being alone, find it hot wearing a mask, scared shitless about lack of employment and lost savings, and crave warm hugs from friends and family. Some experience bouts of moodiness while others are fighting depression. The elderly, faced with how a two year pandemic will affect them, are grieving.

I spoke to several mental health counselors during those initial weeks, curious to know if they were inundated with calls. No, they said, their clients were coping and less stressed being home. Their calendars were wiped clean. That changed as the weeks passed, and being isolated started to take its toll. Fear creeped in as people dealt with the reality of their lives, imagining bleak years ahead. Suicide hot lines began responding to a 900 percent increase in calls, and counselors became busy conducting on-line mental health sessions. The way people are coping makes me think of the ocean.

 Just as waves hit the shore and retreat, so does panic roll over us before slowly retreating.  Eight weeks ago we were soothed by statements like “we are in this together,” and trusted health care professionals and government leaders to assess the pandemic and keep the sea calm. But as deaths rose, as unemployment reached unimaginable highs and as food became scarce for the poor, the ocean began to churn violently. Those stuck at home began to feel like they were drowning and started flailing wildly to stay afloat.  

Parents working at home with children under foot were faced with rolling waves that have to be continuously jumped over. It’s sometimes fun, but often exhausting, at times aggravating, but doable. But, when someone returns from work after caring for the ill, delivering mail or working in a food market, tidal waves of fear beat the door of those at home wondering if the virus is coming with them. Seniors who floated serenely on retirement rafts months earlier shake when realizing that country will open for those under 60, but exclude them. If they don’t remain isolated on their rafts they risk being toppled off by the next wave of viruses.

It is the uncertainty of how and when the pandemic will end that causes anxiety. Imagine yourself on a rowing team challenging the ocean. Just as your team establishes a rhythm, you are hit by a wild wave and thrown off balance. Sneaker waves like the stock market’s rise and fall on speculation adds to your instability. It doesn’t help when the coxswain throws off your rhythm with lies, false statistics, and harmful medical advice. When a boat is steered poorly, the rowers fall overboard.

Most Americans are  stressed, anxious, fearful, sad and lonely  . . . but not all the time. And though people with mental health disorders can slip into serious depression, few of us will.  Strategies of self-care can lower stress so you can take charge of your life and dilute height of the swells. Now that we are two months into the pandemic, ask yourself if you are following self-care practices consistently?

It will take time for the waters to calm when the pandemic ends, and many will suffer from post traumatic stress (PTSD). It is the time to imbed self-care practices so strongly in your psyche and everyday practice that you’ll have strength to cope with and enjoy the challenges that lie ahead.

Remember to get enough sleep, participate in physical activity, eat healthy, avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs, limit screen time, and find time to relax.

Care for you mind by keeping a regular routine, limit exposure to news media, stay busy, focus on positive thoughts, set priorities, learn something new, and draw strength from your moral compass and spiritual life.

Strengthen relationships through connections on phone, or on-line, help others, and support family members or friends who are isolated through notes, or phone calls.

Get help if you need it. Stress is normal but COVID-19 pandemic can easily push you beyond your ability to cope. If you feel helpless, sad, angry, irritable, anxious or afraid. If you have trouble concentrating on typical tasks, your body aches, have trouble sleeping or eating, or if you struggle to face routine tasks for several days in a row, you may need help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for it. It is not a weakness. It is a stressful Pandemic, not of your making. 

Contact a close friend or loved one, someone in your faith community, your primary care provider, or a mental health professional.  Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)  800-985-5990 offer help and guidance. If you feel suicidal contact the suicide prevention Lifeline at 1-900-273-8255. If you are a victim of Domestic violence call 1-800-799-7233 .

References:

CDC staff (2020) cCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreaks can be stressful. Center for Disease Control. relieves from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Mayo Clinic Staff (2020) COVID-19 and your mental health. Mayo Clinic. retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/mental-health-covid-19/art-20482731

NIMH staff (2020) Supporting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic, National Institute of Mental Health. retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2020/supporting-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic.shtml

Art is always for sale. Contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com

Surf’s Up  

Acrylic on Canvas/ 48” x 36”/ gold frame / $699