02/18/2021
This article brings up good questions about the ways in which we have decided to address this pandemic. We know that social belonging is one of the top critical factors of survival and health. I have witnessed in my practice the intense effects that this lockdown has had on my clients. In my both professional and personal circles, I have seen two suicides related to the lockdowns - one direct and one that may have been averted if that person were not so isolated. This is all a complicated topic and challenging to balance. We have much to learn about what is the best way to move through a world crisis like this. I am encouraged that human lives lost to this extreme isolation is being studied by academia. If you are isolated and feeling stressed, please take action and do what you can to increase your connections to the world around you. Even something as simple as a walk in nature, listening for birds and seeing people in the streets can be beneficial. Reach out for help if you feel down and know that there are resources you can access. The Distress Center phone number which you can call any time day or night is: 403-266-HELP (4357). You can call them even if you are just having an off day and need to vent.
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic in 2020. In response, most countries in the world implemented lockdowns, restricting their population’s movements, work, education, gatherings, and general act...