This is Sophia Morris. I would like to share something in this very difficult time. We all know that there is collective grief happening right now that can feel pretty heavy- because it is.
This grief and uncertainty come from a situation of today’s life that is self-isolation.
Being able to solve problems usually translates to “good at being a person” in my words.
Unfortunately, we have been taught that loss is intolerable and the idea of sitting with pain is like “Oh my God! NO, not that please” so we immediately try to give our mind a suggestion or maybe an idea and have a lot of questions. But the truth is that this is helpful when someone loses his/her phone but not when somebody’s life is falling apart. “YOU CAN’T FIX LOSS. YOU DON’T HAVE TO”
On 15th march’2020, in the USA. We all citizens were ordered to stay at home and all the governmental operations and non-essential businesses were closed until 30th March. It was absolutely a nightmare for some and in addition, the COVID19 pandemic has caused a severe threat to the lives of people in the form of depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. The worst was that if someone just tested COVID positive then he or she should be in isolation (away from family).
We all know that being isolated can reduce the risk of spreading the virus, but loneliness has a lot to do with mental issues like depression.
Every-day I use to wake up in the morning and say “we will get through this” “this shall too pass” and “we are not alone”
In January’2020, I got diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), in which your own immunity affects the good cells of the liver. I was on steroids along with immunosuppressants. So, I was definitely more prone to catching any kind of infection. My family was really concerned about me and didn’t want me to come in contact with the air or with anyone who is coming from outside.
The lockdown was in march but I have been self-isolating myself since January before the coronavirus has come and affected our lives terribly. It has been a roller coaster of emotions for me and I was sure that it was only the beginning. I learned that life is absolutely unpredictable and anything can happen at any point of time.
I am a flight attendant by profession, it was a complete loss for me. As I was on immunosuppressant and more prone to infection. Even if I was all well after taking medicines on time and maintaining a good diet, I couldn’t join back because of COVID19. In-fact my doctors said that right now I shouldn’t think of flying because of my illness.
Always having a fear that something will not go right in the future and then thinking that it’s very much normal to have pessimistic thoughts, I realized that how our subconscious mind cannot take a joke, it takes you to your words.
I resigned in the month of April because there was no option available for me.
Just imagine you have a job and then you “can’t” have a job because of something which is not in your hand.
However, it’s good to see that nothing stays forever while it makes us stronger and wiser.
It’s your call to fill your subconscious mind with frustration, anger, and hatred (towards your loved ones and your own life) or with love, care, gentleness( most importantly love for your own family)
It’s very easy to be and to feel negative and hence affecting your peace of mind, the heart full of love.
But I also feel that these turning points in life are “maybe” important to figure out what else you can do with life and yourself.
As long as we have our senses, even just one! We have the possibility to make us “human” feel connected.
What I experienced is that life can become health and healthcare can become about making life more wonderful rather than just less horrible.
Here is where care becomes a playful act, a sense of love, and to live life. Play may sound a funny word here but it is also one of our highest forms of adaptation. Consider every major effort it takes to be human!! The need for shelter has given rise to homes/architecture and in the same way, the need for food has given rise to cuisine/different kinds of foods.
The only thing which we can do right now is just take care of each other and just be there for each other.
All the extra stress of no work, no income, and a threat of coming in contact with the virus will not help. It is just time. My mother always says- “that if your good times have passed, you bad times will too. Just wait for it and be in the moment.”
It’s important to realize that you can always find a shock of beauty or meaning in what life you have left, like a call from your loved one can create warmth in you and keep a check that if you are fine or not. Mental health is important, it is important to check on people who mean something to you.
During these times, being your authentic self may help and we cannot have the same expectations of ourselves as we would in a normal week because these are not so normal weeks. You just have to be really patient with yourself. All the things that might happen, all we can really do is just take each day it comes and do the best we can by following all the social distancing measures.
Choosing something difficult during a difficult time is an act of courage. We all should be prepared enough that even if the world ends today, we don’t lose our vision, hope of living, and giving love.
And one act of kindness can change the world. Have you ever thought that what is closer to people who are closer to depression?
The answer is comfort, feeling burdened, and unburdened to those they love existential peace.
Talk as much as you can with people over call or facetime. It is all in your hand.