Living in a Pandemic: It’s Normal Not to Feel Normal

May 25

Since March 2020 we’ve been collectively dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic and its various stressors and tragedies. With increasing access to vaccinations, our nation and world are starting to shift towards some semblance of our previous lives; however, it would be silly to think that this means we will all be able to feel like things are normal and A-OK. Living through this pandemic has afforded each of us trauma in varying degrees and ways, effects which won’t disappear with the prick of a vaccination needle, so it’s important to acknowledge what and how we are feeling. It’s also important to give ourselves grace as we deal with the aftermath.

As physicians we’re seeing many patients report anxiety, depression, PTSD, and agoraphobia. We want to communicate to everyone going through this that these feelings are all normal, and that no one expects you to be able to just flip a switch now that the intensity is beginning to lift. We are here for you, to listen and to help support you as you work through your slice of the collective trauma. We recognize that you may not even recognize whether what you are experiencing is related to trauma, and may be feeling guilty or ashamed that you aren’t feeling better already. Here are some examples of normal feelings that you may be experiencing right now:

Lack of energy or excessive tiredness
Lack of interest in activities that normally bring you joy
Increased irritability
Fear of being around other people or crowds
Low libido
Insomnia
Lack of motivation
Guilt
Anger
Hypervigilance
Loneliness
Bouts of deep sadness
Feeling stuck
Engaging in binging behaviors

These feelings and behaviors are all normal reactions to stress and trauma. For many folks, we missed out on community, celebrations, and milestones. Many of us lost loved ones, jobs, careers, and community. No one is expecting you to just snap out of it. It’s ok to take your time to heal. It’s ok to admit that you aren’t ready to do something yet. Be kind to yourself and those around you. Give yourself a break.

If you feel like you are having difficulty handling any of these issues - reach out. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare practitioner and ask your provider at Roots for Health which resources they recommend. We’re still here for you, and we have tools to help manage stress and processing trauma.

You are not alone.