EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

United States and the world. But little has been stressed regarding the emotional toll this pandemic has taken.

Stress causes heart disease, auto-immune conditions, gastro-intestinal illnesses, psoriasis, eczema, asthma and cancer. Of this there is no doubt and thousands of books have been written about the effects of stress.

So, what has this pandemic done to us?

The first thing is isolation. People are social creatures and Covid has put a major damper on socializing. The current recommendation is to avoid groups of more than 10 people. Although restaurants may be open, many are still wary about venturing out. Parties are out of the question. I can’t tell you how many weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs, showers and graduations have been moved to the internet. Even small get-togethers are limited as it is safer if you are home alone with your family. Keeping a physical distance of six feet is not always easy.

When was the last time you hugged someone who was not an immediate family member?

Isolation is stressful and can lead to depression. Depression is common as most of our routines are severely disrupted. Sadly, chronic depression leads to pain and illness. And chronic pain and illness leads to depression. This is an endless circle unless you get off that track and do something about it!

Many people haven’t returned to regular work and are either furloughed or working from home. Those out of work - and not being paid are struggling financially. Many families are concerned about how they will make their next mortgage or rent payment, not to mention buying food to feed their families.

One of societies most important resource is our teachers. Most are already underpaid – just ask any parent who has been home schooling their children due to current circumstances. Teachers are stressed – most are not prepared for online teaching, and most are seriously concerned about returning to a classroom full of potential carriers.

This is an incredibly stressful period and unfortunately there are no immediate answers.

Even those who are trying to enjoy their retirement are stressed. These are generally older folks – already at higher risk – who cannot participate in their previous leisure activities such as playing cards, mah jong or group classes. So, if they choose to keep up with their healthy routines, they do not participate.

Theoretically, people should be losing weight as they are eating home more often and avoiding calorie-laden buffets filled with high calorie desserts and bread. But not everyone is taking a more healthful.