More Than A Year Into The Pandemic, How Should You Feel?
- Paul Nouri
- Apr 26, 2021
- 2 min read
There is a literal way of looking at where the country is in the cycle of the pandemic. The number of cases are down significantly from their highest levels, while at the same time, the number of people in the Intensive Care Units due to COVID is actually up 10% over the prior month.
Additionally, up to 15% of people who acquire COVID end up with long-haul symptoms. As more vaccines are administered, officials generally expect the number of cases to continue trending down, but they truly don’t know that will happen. The newer variants spread with greater ease, and at the same time, states around the country have loosened social distancing restrictions. Nearly 600,000 people in the U.S. have died of COVID, making it the third leading cause of death in the country. Unfortunately, about 700 people per day continue to die from this virus, a rate that would keep it as the third leading cause of death. On the economic front, while there has been a significant amount of recovery in the economy, more than two million more people are collecting jobless benefits today than when COVID hit.
If COVID has spurred anything, it has been increased uncertainty. There is uncertainty when we simply go to the grocery store to pickup food as to whether we will catch COVID. Worry for our older family and friends who could acquire COVID. Its unclear what we will be allowed to do and when, as it concerns going to social gatherings such as weddings, funerals and sports and entertainment venues. We don’t know when children will be allowed to experience full days of school. Will the virus go away eventually or become like the flu, wherein we need vaccinations each year to stay safe?
All of these questions, the uncertainty, the unknowable, all of this can heighten conditions of depression, anxiety, addiction and more. The more we stress our minds and bodies, the more they retreat to what they know and are familiar with. By attending support groups, people have the opportunity to open the release valve of pressure. In group settings, people can share their stories, but as importantly, they can emotionally learn from the stories of others. Seeing and hearing with your own eyes and ears that your peers’ struggles are significant as well can put important perspective on your own struggles.
On IDeserveGoodDays, you can find support groups for so many different life conditions, including the following:
If you have any questions about support groups, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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