As the world continues to evolve through the recent event, what can we expect to see unfold in ourselves in the coming weeks and months? The true answer is that no one really knows so we can only surmise by using comparisons of previous significant events that impacted our lives.
One thing that is certain, most of us will be psychologically impacted in some way, to a greater of lesser degree, following the pandemic. Many will work through this event without much of a lasting impact on them while others will not go unscathed.
For the most part, how we are personally impacted depends on a number of factors.
As we go through significant events in our lives, our brain tightens as it works to make sense of what is occurring to manage the challenge. During this time, all of our energy is brought to the fore and we have complete focus on getting through it. We tend to be much busier than usual because sitting around allows too much time to think about the possible negative consequences.
As we come out of the significant event we start to relax our thoughts which allows our brain to 'untighten' as our minds processes what we have just been through. It is in this twilight period where we need the greatest support for our wellbeing.
How will you know how much of an impact the pandemic has had on you personally?
Research shows that it is the closeness of our personal connection to an event that is the greatest indicator of how much we will be negatively impacted as an individual. Those who have lost a loved one, who have lost their job, or who have worked in an emergency response role will probably be the most affected and will need to look out for the signs of stress in themselves and in their colleagues.
Additionally, those whose physiological needs were impacted in some way - food, water, shelter, air, or sleep - should be also be alert to the signs that things aren't quite right. Lastly, those within close proximity to all of those mentioned above should also look out for signs of weakened wellbeing in themselves from a secondary response more commonly occurring in partners of those with PTSD.
What are the signs that we might expect to see in ourselves and in others as the coming weeks unfold? We may become more anxious, worried, irritable, angry, or lethargic. Our sleep will be disrupted, our mood will drop, we won't have the same sense of purpose, and we will avoid social situations. Our diet will likely change to craving sugar or fat-rich foods, alcohol and/or drug use may increase, we will likely feel that we have less control than previously, and we may relive some of the negative events from the past weeks.
In short, our usual behaviour changes significantly.
What can we do to lessen the oncoming negative impact of this event to help ourselves and those around us?
Connect with others - talk with those around you about what is going on for you, I guarantee others are thinking and feeling the same things as you are. Talk, talk, and talk some more with as many people as you feel the need to. Know that you are not alone, none of us are immune to being psychologically impacted in some way.
Control your thoughts - when your mind wanders to negative things, bring it back to the moment by taking a deep breath and sigh. Then, focus on what is directly in front of you no matter what that might be. We always have one thing that we can control when things seem uncontrollable, ourselves.
Stick to patterns - try and adhere as close as possible to your usual patterns across each day. Timing is indeed everything so wake up, get up, work, eat, rest, exercise, and connect at the usual times. Monitor your diet, your alcohol intake, and your personal hygiene to keep them in check.
Avoid stressful situations - reduce social media use, read and watch only validated facts, be around those who you want to be around, slow yourself down to avoid any unnecessary increase in stress, and do what you want to do not what others suggest that you should (except perhaps for what I am telling you here).
Accept the situation - as much as you can, accept that things are the way that they are and work as much as possible to improve your current situation. Don't rush, recognise what is happening around you, make a plan, and then move forward.
It is what it is because it was what it was, it's what you do now that matters.
As we return to work, expect the unexpected. It will be different, initially. We will all experience a roller coaster of emotions as our brain unravels the past event. 'Be kind' is what we have been told that we should do when dealing with others, and we should be.
More importantly for me is that you 'be kind' to yourself.
As we adapt to our new normal we will learn so much about ourselves. We will learn that we are all better than we think we are and stronger than we think that we are. For we, as humans, are the probably the most adaptable species that there is. We've got this, together.
Let's talk!