It’s Not Just You: Hitting The Pandemic Wall

Source: The Star

In recent weeks I have read several articles about people hitting the pandemic wall. Hitting the wall is an expression used by marathon runners and cyclists to describe a condition of sudden fatigue or loss of energy and feeling unable to continue.

Listed below you will find some the key points from . . .

It’s Not Just You. A Lot Of Us Are Hitting A Pandemic Wall Right Now.

                                    Huffington Post: Canada Wellness, February 5, 2021

 * In recent weeks, many people have been “slammed” with major pandemic fatigue. We’re burnt out. The arrival of vaccines has given us hope but challenges with its rollout, and our feelings of exhaustion and hopefulness are swallowing up any positive emotions.

* We’ve been at this for a year now, and our fight-or-flight system ¯ the emotional reaction to stress that has been otherwise energizing us throughout the pandemic ¯ is totally overloaded. Feeling emotionally zapped, at this stage of the corona virus crisis, is very normal, mental health experts say.

* If you find yourself stuck in a pandemic-fueled rut, first take a moment to pause and acknowledge your feelings. Go easy on yourself as you sit with these dismal emotions — the pandemic’s been brutal, and it’s time we all cut ourselves a break.

*  Our stress system has been over-activated. Typically, the brain and body calm down and rest once the stressor is removed. But this has not happened throughout the pandemic. At this point, even little things that might not have bothered us before can get to us. These feelings build up and can become emotionally exhausting. (Amy Cirbus ).

* No clear end is in sight. Every measure or milestone we’ve reached — like the one-year mark of when we first heard about COVID-19 — makes us more aware of how long we’ve been enduring the pandemic and the uncertainty of how much longer it’ll last.(Jessica Gold )

How can we get through this period?

* Many traditional outlets — the gym, a vacation, going out with friends, visiting family — aren’t necessarily options right now. We have had to learn new ways of coping with everyday stress since our usual coping skills may not be working

* Identify the things stressing you out the most — maybe it’s the news, a job, or toxic conversations with a friend — and make a plan to address them and set some healthy boundaries. From there, focus on one or two things a day that you can accomplish.

*“It’s the accumulation of those small things over the course of time that are going to make a difference. They do add up,” she said. Gradually, things will change and you’ll eventually feel like you can walk through that wall again. It might also be a good time to look for mental health resources that can help.

*Lastly, cut yourself some slack. No matter how the pandemic has disrupted your life, recognize that this is hard and that hitting a wall is a completely valid response to totally irregular circumstances.

“Have compassion for yourself and don’t belittle your feelings,” “At a certain point, we’ll all get through it.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

* The website of the Canadian Mental Health Association (www.cmha.ca  – and – www.cmhanl.ca ) has some wonderful free resources and can also point you in the right direction for further help.

Maria Kelsey is the Pastoral Assistant at St. Pius X parish in St. Johnês. She is responsible for the faith development programs for children, and families, as well as for the Elder Ministry Committee.

Print
3 Comments
  • Peter Chouinard
    Posted at 05:44h, 10 April Reply

    Another great stress reliever not listed in the article is a faith community. Even with reduced services, zoom and other online resources have been a light in the midst of this ongoing stressful pandemic.
    I can’t imagine coping with this without community. Being able to connect with people of faith is a blessing that gives rest and peace to our souls, our hearts and our minds.

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 15:30h, 10 April Reply

    Thank you Maria!

  • Mike Hyland
    Posted at 14:03h, 15 April Reply

    Great advise. Thanks for sharing this.

Post A Comment

Subscribe to igNation

Subscribe to receive our latest articles delivered right to your inbox!