It seems like every email or conversation we have these days includes the same phrase: “I hope you’re adjusting well to the new normal!”. It’s been a year since COVID-19 prompted stay-at-home orders and masks mandates, and while that seems like a long time to have been able to find a new routine, that may not be the case for everyone.
… and that’s OK
In the beginning, we couldn’t have imagined how long this would last. That means the first weeks- if not months- of the pandemic were more of a holding period than an adjustment period for many people. If you were suddenly working from home, you probably weren’t buying a desk just yet. If you had plans in mid-2020, you weren’t thinking they would have to change.
But as time wore on, it became clear that COVID-19 wasn’t going away soon, so we started to adjust. We stocked up on masks and cleaning supplies, and we figured out which clothes were comfortable but professional enough for work video calls.
Even after this new habit-forming phase started, though, it’s been difficult to get into a routine. Some employers have brought workers back in person, some businesses are reopening, some friends and family members have started planning events.
And now, there is hope. As COVID-19 vaccines roll out, it means the hope of health and safety in public once again. As exciting as that is, it also brings even more uncertainty to your attempts to build a routine- when can I get my vaccine, what about my loved ones, will my employer start bringing me back in the office, and other questions.
The virus itself is a major stress. The inability to get in a good routine over the last year can make the situation even more challenging.
Will We Ever Get Back to Normal?
You Are Not Alone
COVID-19 has contributed to a rise in mental health challenges. A study conducted by the CDC found a rise in anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms year-over-year, with a threefold increase in the reporting of anxiety symptoms and a fourfold increase in depressive disorder. Overall, 40.9% of those surveyed reported struggling with mental health or substance use.
There are many factors relating to the virus which can contribute to mental health challenges. Stay-at-home orders, for example, help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Uncertainty about whether this is the “new normal”, or what “normal” will look like in the future, can be an ongoing strain. Temporary or permanent unemployment adds another layer of stress and uncertainty to the future.
There is a great degree of stress stemming from concerns about getting the virus, especially among people who are more vulnerable. The concern is understandable. In Duval County alone, there have been more than 88,000 cases of COVID-19, and more than 1,200 deaths linked to the virus.
What might mental health challenges look like?
Signs that you may be struggling with your mental health can be very subtle or strong, acute or persistent. According to the CDC, some of the most common signs include
- Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
- Changes in appetite, energy, and interest
- Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or sleeping
- Physical signs of stress like headaches, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening mental health or chronic health problems
- Increased use of substances, including tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
It is not unusual to experience any of these as a stress response, but if they are becoming more persistent or intense, or if they’re interfering with your ability to carry out daily life, that could be a sign you should consider asking for help.
Dealing With Stress – What to do
Learning how to cope with stress in a healthy way can help make you more resilient.
It’s also helpful to adjust to a mentality where you focus on controlling what you can, and try not to worry about what you can’t. For example, if you’ve spent the last year in a less-than-ideal work-from-home setup because you hope you won’t need it soon, think about whether making your setup more comfortable would make you feel better. You can’t control when your boss will bring you back to work in-person, but you can give yourself more stability right now.
You can also consider speaking with a mental health professional. This person can cater an approach to help you and your specific needs. The Jax Therapy Network homepage features a searchable database of locally licensed therapists and counselors who work in different specialties.
