This is a season of life where most of us have been forced to pivot in several areas of our lives. And while some of us have experienced more loss and hardship than others, we have all felt the shift. I read some sobering statistics I wanted to share with you.
According to the CDC, "Overall, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9%), symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) related to the pandemic† (26.3%), and having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3%). The percentage of respondents who reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey (10.7%) was significantly higher among respondents aged 18–24 years (25.5%), minority racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic respondents [18.6%], non-Hispanic black [black] respondents [15.1%]), self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults§ (30.7%), and essential workers¶ (21.7%). Community-level intervention and prevention efforts, including health communication strategies, designed to reach these groups could help address various mental health conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic."
I have taken to using social media in positive ways to signal moments to reduce anxiety for myself and others.
For example, I posted this September 9th on my facebook page
Just a friendly reminder:
Unclench your jaw.
Unclench your seat.
Stop scrolling and go drink some water.
Step away from your work and take a walk around the building.
Now is a good time to pray.
You are enough.
The number of responses of friends who were unwittingly holding their stress in was staggering.
"How did you know?" This from a young woman working to house domestic violence survivors who are at even higher risk right now as they quarantine with their abusers.
"Every. Single. Time" This from a busy mom whose husband was just diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.
Damn this is on time!!!! From a friend working in higher education where her institution is reporting some of the highest COVID-19 cases in our city.
"My jaw and seat were both clenched" this from an outgoing professional woman who works out and takes care of herself religiously.
Time and time again, all of the respondents...including myself recognized how stress had crept in...making itself tangible just at the edges of our perception.
If you do not hear this anywhere else today, you are living through a global pandemic. You are experiencing a collective trauma. This is not easy. You are worthy of breath.
If you'd like to learn more about how Tanya advises those she works with to create a culture of care and write sustainable policy around their intentions, please reach out for a consultation.
