A New Wave of Depression…
This year has been like no other. 2020 came in with the roar of a lion and its sound still lingers in the air. Many had huge plans for this year, 2020 is/was significant as the metaphor of the year is linked to perfect vision, seeing things clearly, getting/gaining clarity, and so on. It was going to be an extraordinary year for most. Well, it is an extraordinary year, but not in the way we thought it would be. For many in this country and around the world, 2020 will definitely be the most memorable year of their life, but unfortunately not in a good way.
Death, destruction, devastation, fear, and loss are just a few words that I can use to describe this year thus far. With months still to go, this year will no doubt be placed in the record books. History is being lived and recorded as we continue to come to terms with what has already taken place this year and our new normal. Despair is a good word to sum it all up, no one is immune and unaffected by this global pandemic of the novel Covid-19 virus, that continues to plague the world. Plans have been placed on hold, and some indefinitely. Our pseudo safe, predicted world, has now become down right scary and unpredictable.
So many lives has already been lost, both of the young and old. Families are uprooted, jobs have disappeared, businesses shut down, hunger and poverty are everywhere. What a year this has been in just a matter of months. This has no doubt impacted the mental health of many. Suicide rates have risen, as more and more individuals loose hope. Domestic violence statistics are up, as more couples find themselves locked in and quarantined together. Family lives are disrupted, as the stress of providing and the lack of freedom befalls many. Singles are experiencing difficulties getting through the quarantine by themself, as loneliness creeps it’s ugly head in their direction.
As the unsettlement and uncertainty continues to take over this nation, what once seemed like a bright future, have many now skeptical, The new normal has emerged, where mask wearing debates are common, and terms like “social distancing” are a part of everyday language, as change is imminent. Many are grieving the loss of loved ones, friends, neighbors and the like. However, everyone has something to grieve during this season, if it’s not an actual loss of a person, then the grief can come from the loss of a job, the loss of total freedom, the loss of not being able to travel, the loss of not being able to get together with family and friends, and the loss of certainty. It’s all a terrible loss.
Depression can easily take over during this pandemic, all the classic symptoms exist during these trying times, which creates a perfect atmosphere for it. Feelings of hopelessness, lonliness, lack of motivation, low mood, doubt, fear, and uncertainty, all can fuel the fire for depression. It’s during this time that one needs to make sure that their mental health is in good shape, despite what the situation and circumstances may look like. It’s so important to have good mental health, because we all know what the opposite of that can be.
Try to counter depressive symptoms anyway you can, but firstly try to get out of bed and go outside and take a walk in nature. Studies show that being out and enjoying the natural elements can help to rejuvenate ones well bring. It’s not a magic cure, but it can help relieve some stress. If you are suffering from serious depressive symptoms, tell someone and seek help through a medical/health professional. You don’t have to go through this alone, because we are all in this together. Stay well and be safe.
