Fluctuating pandemic moods

How are we doing? Honestly?

If we did a mood check (on a scale of 1-10) where are we in terms of depression, anxiety & stress?

Given the upside and the downside of a pandemic we have all experienced fluctuating moods. It seems that many introverts are relishing the change whereas many extroverts appear a little more bamboozled.

Whatever we are feeling is ok!

Whatever we are feeling is telling us something.

Whatever we are feeling requires some action.

We’d encourage you to

• feel what you feel…give each emotion a name…speaking it out is healing

• do what you feel you need to do…sleep, walk, laugh and cry when you need to

• stop beating ourselves up if we haven’t met imagined or expressed expectations

• allow others to feel whatever they are too, without judgment or persuasion to feel other wise

Most of us are doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

The main thing any of us need to do at the moment is to adhere to the guidelines to stay safe and to get through this moment in time together. This requires adaptive behaviour, validation and support.

Can we focus on ourselves and address our needs (why we feel the way we do) with compassion and not comparison? Can we come alongside others and say “me too” or “that makes perfect sense” and not rush to point out positive things when others are down?

And when we feel ready…can we gain strength from this strangest of times? Can we look back, observe what has happened, process our grief and loss, make sense of the meaning this time has given to each of us?

May we all as individuals, as families, as communities and as a Nation, gain understanding, extend kindness, observe guidelines, embrace opportunity and grow accordingly.

If you’re stuck?

Let’s talk!