There are some days that are just more difficult than others. Especially on the days when COVID 19 and all of it's disconcerting ripple effects trickle onto our laps. Each day seems to be further and further away from the day when this virus was not a part of our lives.
But is is now a part of our lives and it will be for quite some time. I am not fond of the idea of calling our new reality with COVID 19, the ' new normal'. This is not normal. We will not look back in years to come and call anything about this pandemic normal. In the grand scheme of a lifetime, a generation, this is a momentary trial. It too shall pass.
We will put this virus behind us and believe me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, we will find that bright future where the struggles of this time will no longer be the frightening obstacles in front of us but distant memories behind us. We will get back to normal. Back to big weddings and movie theatres, romantic dinners and beers a the Wooly, Christmas parades and fundraising galas. Bonfires and ball room dancing.
So. How do we survive in the meantime? Isolation, separation from our pack, is not healthy for any of us. We are social beings. We thrive in social environments. We find safety in our groups. We grow, thrive and heal in communion with one another.
This is going to seem trite. There was one point today when my tasks became overwhelming. I practise medicine but I also run a clinic, manage staff and make the final decisions around patient management and office policies. Add in a little COVID 19, virtual medicine, Personal Protective Equipment and a panic stricken community and... well, all hell can break lose in a matter of seconds. Big breath. Get it together. You can do this. And just as I repeat that mantra, another 'Knock and Run' hits my back door: gifts of food, flowers, PPE of all kinds, donations for those in greatest need. We are keeping track of all of you generous people, what you donate and where it goes. This week, two donations filled me with such hope. Masks and gloves from Guelph Community Christian School and a bag of beautiful homemade masks from Hides in Hands that three young siblings purchased with their birthday money. A child's generous response in times of crisis is a very powerful thing.
We survive by finding hope. We find hope by looking outside of ourselves to the needs of others and by finding that perspective that reminds us that there are so many others with much greater problems than our own.
I had a great introduction last week to the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington, Helen Fishburn. They have new programs available to assist folks who are struggling emotionally at this time.
Here4Help is a new online repository of useful tools and techniques to manage the stresses of dealing with COVID-19. Resources are categorized according to:
Children, Youth & Parents/Guardians, Adults, Seniors and Care givers, employees and employers and front line health care
You can visit Here4Help at its own website: www.here4help.ca, or though the CMHA WW Website: www.cmhaww.ca
If you know of anyone who is in crisis or who needs service, please direct them to Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247 or www.here247.ca. Staffing for this essential crisis line has been increased to manage the increased needs of our community during COVID 19.
Reach out to your neighbour, extend a hand to those in need. Donate. Build the strength in our community as we travel this difficult yet manageable journey.
Anne-Marie
Please share
No comments:
Post a Comment