I sure have noticed it; emotional stress is running rampant throughout this COVID era and doesn’t seem to be letting up.
With the onset of the pandemic in March, people became reclusive and ventured out only if necessary. Then the warm summer glow encouraged individuals to venture out in the great outdoors where things seemed a little safer. People began to take up individual activities like kayaking and such, with a progression to some sports reintroduced into society with certain regulations throughout the outdoor sports’ season.
For a large number of the working class, working from home became a requirement, and some even now have not yet resumed their office attendance, and who knows when they will…
I’m sure a good number of these individuals have really enjoyed the opportunity to stay inside their own confines instead of heading to the office, where things seem safe and less stressful. Unfortunately, life has taken them from a social network to individual solitude and I don’t think that anyone in this world is made to be an island unto themselves; this is not the making of a mentally healthy person.
An acquaintance I know has been thrilled to be home for the long haul, not missing getting dressed up for work or even too concerned that her personal grooming habits have taken a slide due to COVID. Recently she confided that she has developed some anxiety issues about going out into public places, even if necessity to shop for groceries or to do errands demands it.
Another I know has developed an unhealthy bond with their dog, as far as I’m concerned, putting a greater emphasis on a dog being man’s best friend. She is single and usually a very social being, but because we are all suspicious now of the humans around us possibly carrying the virus, she has ditched her friends and now does activities with the dog in mind, watching “dog” movies, going for drives with the dog and even referring to the dog as a human substitute. Maybe a little whacky as far as I’m concerned but mental stress can drive people a little off-the-deep-end if circumstances alter our norms.
That’s why I have always been impressed with the Journey to Hope organization here in Moose Jaw, under the leadership of Della Ferguson. They continually keep individuals’ mental wellness top of mind, always raising awareness about mental health issues and providing useful information on suicide prevention. Journey to Hope is offering a number of online training sessions in September, along with a new initiative called ‘Voices for Hope,’ that will be providing an opportunity and a platform for positivity. Please see the related story in this edition for all of the particulars: Journey to Hope, ‘getting loud for mental health’.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
