To be isolated is to be separate, segregated or removed from others. We are in the second week of our second province-wide lockdown. We are in month ten of a worldwide pandemic that doesn’t seem to be getting better, and for many of us, we are in the middle of Winter. So, to say this is difficult is an understatement.
I don’t want to sugar coat it or have us ignore how we feel right now. I want us to go through the feelings of pain, anger and frustration and permit ourselves to feel every part of them. Until we are able to fully acknowledge those feelings, there won’t be a way for us to move past it.
THIS IS HARD!
When someone is isolated with the absence of mental health issues, it may be tolerable. Still, when you struggle with depression or anxiety, the addition of forced isolation can feel debilitating.
Not only are we experiencing pain, anger and frustration, but we are now faced with a type of loneliness that we are unsure how to cure. We don’t know if such a cure exists.
I say this not to add salt to an already open wound; I say this because we need to give space to our feelings and understand that there is hope despite how we might feel right now.
I encourage you to recognize that you are not alone in how you feel despite being in isolation. I encourage you to push your pride aside and reach out to family or friends and let them know that you are struggling; open your mouth and tell them. There is a level of freedom revealing that vulnerable side of yourself.
Maybe a video call could be the virtual dose of happiness you need. Take advantage of the time you are allowed outside. Go for a walk and experience the unexpected satisfaction of saying hello to a stranger. Perhaps on sunny days, you can let the sunshine into your living space and hit your face. It’s incredible how it can heighten your mood. Last but not least, pray for one another and don’t forget to pray for yourself.
Remember, you are loved, worthy, resilient, and you will get through this.