On a Journey to Renewal in a Pandemic

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all of us. Some of us are isolated from loved ones and unable to see our families, while others are quarantined in their homes trying to juggle parenting, working, and daily life. Essential workers are bearing the brunt of risk exposure to COVID-19, often without adequate compensation, healthcare, or the protective equipment they need to be safe. Folks who have lost their jobs wait months for unemployment benefits to clear, while survival tips in the balance.

COVID-19 has many mental health implications. Social isolation leads to loss of coping strategies and support networks. Agoraphobia (fear of leaving home) is on the rise – and for good reason – it can be scary and exhausting to navigate public spaces. Depression and anxiety fester and grow. Diagnosis and survival of COVID-19 can be traumatic, depending on severity.

Maybe you or someone in your family had COVID-19 and you’ve experienced a traumatic loss, or near loss of someone you love. This is an incredibly hard time in our community. And for those of us who survive, we push on. We try to find ways to thrive in the darkness, as best we can.

In the coming weeks and months, I will be using this space to share information and resources related to COVID-19 and mental health. If you have found useful strategies for caring for yourself in these hard times, don’t hesitate to reach out to me and share! I’m happy to pass your great ideas along to our community.

Warmly,

Dr. Ruth