It is incomprehensible that we’ve been in the midst of COVID for nearly one-year. We’ve been wrapped up thinking about masks, social distancing, testing and vaccines. We’ve even been held hostage by our own thoughts and concerns of the future and worry for our family, friends and ourselves. Certainly no one can question or judge our motives as they relate to this pandemic.
During COVID I have taken to walking and hiking. It’s been a wonderful de-stressor for me and provides me with a few minutes of quiet thinking time, of course until my dog starts chasing a squirrel! Seriously though, this time has been invaluable for me and yet, there is a “but.” If and when you can turn COVID concerns off for just a moment or two, you are faced with another kind of pandemic— a social justice one that has taken over our country, communities and neighborhoods.
COVID did not create these injustices, but it has certainly magnified them indicating a poor reflection on a pre-COVID society. In the last year we’ve seen the deaths of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Breonna Taylor. In our own community, the death of Daniel Prude and now we’ve witnessed a 9-year-old girl handcuffed and pepper sprayed.
At the same time period we witnessed a bitter political battle that culminated in violence, attacks and death not only on our fellow citizens, but on the foundation of our country—democracy. Conspiracy theories have become the norm while facts are pushed aside without objectivity.
In combination, it is no wonder that there is major concern for the mental health of the people of our community. For many, this is all too much to cope with. Stereotypically, as a population we are accused of being self-centered, always thinking of ourselves and leading with the word “I.” With the circumstances facing us added to our own trials and tribulation, now is the time that society must lead with the words “we and us.”
One of the things that that I’ve asked of our Cariola staff is to pay closer attention to each other, ask how people are doing as they socially distance in the hallways or lounges, listen to what people are saying and offer support, even refer them to their supervisors for additional help. These never been seen before circumstances impact how we think, how we behave and treat each other. I may be over simplifying complex issues, but as an eternal optimist, I have hope that kindness and understanding can overcome the struggles that face us. The phrase “we are in this together” has become commonplace during COVID and marketers use it at will. While the phrase is overused, the thought behind it isn’t. No one can go through all of this alone.
As human beings we need each other and so many things that have been stripped away from us during this last year—a hug, a smile, a pat on the back and sharing time without distance and masking. We also need to act on the injustices that we have seen, speak out and positively influence real change in our community. Just like the pandemic, we can’t go it alone. It’s a lonely place to be and one voice combined with many can make a difference. Change really does begin with us.
I encourage anyone who may be reading this to reach out, check in on friends, family and neighbors. Try kindness and understanding instead of ignorance and vitriol. If you need help, don’t be embarrassed to ask. Our community does have a strong mental health structure—you just need to reach out.
