As with COVID, as with Life

 

    It's occurred to me that the COVID pandemic is not only affecting the average person, not only the economically disadvantaged, and not only refugees who are fleeing terrible circumstances such as war or famine; COVID has actually created a class of pandemic refugees, individuals who have been displaced from their homes, perhaps out of fear of contracting the virus, or people who left their homes prior (perhaps for vacation) and cannot return.

    Though a quick web-search does not produce "COVID refugee" headlines (many articles address the impact of the virus on refugees of other serious issues) I have recently spoken with friends who lived in Mainland China just as the pandemic was growing, and left just before internal and international lock-downs were implemented.

    Speaking with two of these friends, it's clear that their situation has had a certain negative psychological impact on them (as it has for all of us in some way), partly as they planned for only for a short time away from their established lives in China, taking only a few clothes and personal belongings, and also due to the uncertainty of when they'll be able to return to their homes. How are they coping? By keeping busy, establishing new social connections, new habits, learning new skills and ways of life.

    These friends are fortunate; they have friends or family whom they can rely on for shelter, they had (or still have) stable employment and income (perhaps working remotely, even from abroad!), and they are still able to keep occupied and socially connected, either locally or globally (mediated by the internet).

    This situation reminds me of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (check this). Maslow's hierarchy isn't perfect (Buddha achieved enlightenment after leaving a life of ease) but it makes me realize that, perhaps, the most important thing for mental wellness and daily well-being, is not having exactly what we want or expect, but finding control of some aspect of our lives (eg, daily routine, work-life balance, physical activity level).

    Interestingly, some of my best and most memorable camping experiences have actually been some of the hardest times (unending rain, physical obstacles, shortage of food/water). What happened is that I learned from those experiences and was able to learn from them in order to improve my future, or my next attempt at the same thing.

    I am not suggesting that anyone deprive themselves of food, water, or shelter, or anything else needed for survival, rather, set a goal, go out, experience the world, and learn from your mistakes. If things are difficult, find something in your life that you can control (best not another person!), and look for people with whom you can connect. Seek honest advice from others.

    What are your most memorable experiences? What made them memorable? If you are having a hard time managing yourself during COVID, can you identify one thing in your life that you can control? Can you think of one person whom you trust to confide in? Two people?