We are currently living in an unprecedented time where we don’t have any past examples. Sure there have been pandemics in the past, but we’re not only experiencing this pandemic… we’re experiencing it in a time of major social media influence, with some of the highest mental health statistics in years, during a huge social movement, and of course during a presidential election (and a big one at that).
So how on earth are we supposed to stay calm and act “normal”? Everyone is having a hard time in this pandemic. I’m sure everyone could agree with me on that. However, some people have it harder than others. Thankfully it is getting a little better and we have technology, but we (or at least I can say from experience) are still feeling something. I can’t describe it – I’m sad a good amount of the time, but why? I don’t know. Nothing is normal so I can’t fix it. I’m just stuck here watching the news, seeing my friends on social media, and trying to stay afloat with all my classes and Zoom. I know for sure that I am not feeling the worst of it and I still thankfully have some good days. The way I feel makes me want to reach out to others more. Still, it is important to know that every feeling is valid whether it is “worse” or not because we are all different. You don’t need to constantly compare yourself to others, especially when it comes to your mental health. If you are sad – then that is okay – acknowledge the sadness and talk to someone if you can. Don’t take “well everyone feels like that” or “it could be worse” as an excuse for yourself. YOU ARE IMPORTANT and how you feel matters too. Think about it as going in the water at the ocean. If you go underwater you can hold your breath and see things for a little bit, but eventually you’ll need to come up for air. That is just like the mental health we are feeling today. We don’t often understand how or why we are feeling this way so if our bodies want to just sit for a little bit and think about what’s happening: Let them, cry if you need to but always come up for air. Social media is like the fish in the water. They might nibble on your toes or act as if they’re going to bite you, but they won’t because they don’t have that power over you – you can kick them off and look the other way. If you’re feeling these things and not coming up for air, maybe try talking to someone to get help. That’s why we have lifeguards because we can’t always save ourselves. We need help and that’s okay. If a lifeguard were to save you in the ocean it probably wouldn’t be that embarrassing because you would be so thankful to be alive. In that same way, we can ask for help. Maybe then one day you can become a lifeguard too. After saying this, I want to point out that we aren’t sea creatures. We aren’t meant to stay under the water for a long time or constantly get back in. Think about the amount of time you’re in the water versus being on land (unless you really love swimming or you’re a swimmer). You’re really not in the water that much. In the same way, we can’t constantly be in our sadness. But sometimes (especially now), it’s okay to go under the water – just for a little bit of course – but to allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling. Your feelings are valid. My feelings are valid. Your friends’ feelings are valid. Everyone has their own experience when they go underwater, and some may act differently but that doesn’t mean that your way isn’t good and that you can’t feel that. During this pandemic, I’m sure you have at least dipped your toes in the water. It’s not easy and that’s totally understandable. But if you need to go under the water (in the way that you need to feel what you’re feeling for a little bit and let go of what you’ve been trying to hide) that is okay. But remember you can’t breathe underwater. You do need to come up but if you can’t do it alone, people want to help you. Even a stranger that sends a smile your way could be the person who throws you the ring before the lifeguard comes. It takes a small step, but you have the power (maybe with some help) to overcome it and be strong again.
1 Comment
Bonnie Corliss
10/5/2020 07:05:25 am
Thank you for your blog. It was helpful to know that it’s normal for us to have those feelings. We each have our own things that we have to deal with. I know it is so helpful to get together with close friends and share problems.
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August 2022
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