Isolation and Depression

It’s been a while! I’m reading through my December post titled “2019 You’ve Been Quite The Ride” and apparently I had no idea what 2020 had in store! I normally write a blog once a month but to be honest, I haven’t been motivated to write.  Each month I pull out the laptop, hop on my page and my fingers rest on the keys but nothing has come to me.  That’s not typical for me.  If you know me, you know I don’t lack in things to say! ha!

Currently we have this “pandemic” happening and I won’t spend a whole time talking about said pandemic because my opinions are unpopular and I try not to get political or controversial on here and I’m actually sick of talking about it.  But I will say that our state has been under a “stay at home” order for a week, our county for 2 weeks.  It sucks and I am hoping it has been put in to place to protect us and I hope it works.

I am a very social person, I adore hanging out with friends and family and I love staying busy so this SAH order has really jacked up my mood.  My friends and I have been getting creative with our socialization by meeting via zoom for game night and book club meetings.  We have lined up and given a few birthday parades for people we love.  We are CONSTANTLY communicating on a video app called Marco Polo and this has helped so much because we have fun but we also have serious conversations and support each other.  It’s been a complete life saver.

I have to admit, with all of this creativity in staying in touch, I am still feeling pretty down.  If you are familiar with my blogs, you know I have suffered from severe depression and crippling anxiety for may years.  It has gotten a lot better these past few years due to my hard work in therapy and quite honestly, Gods healing spirit.  But this doesn’t mean depression and anxiety doesn’t creep in and surprise me, especially when I am vulnerable and in quarantine.

I know many people who have been affected negatively by all of this and are too, struggling with depression and anxiety.  It sucks, especially if you live by yourself or if you are a single parent.  I can’t imagine not having my family with me!! The scary thing is…..we don’t know how long this is going to last.  I think if we had a set date, we could count it down and look forward to the end.  But fairs, concerts and large crowd activities are being cancelled right now even though these events are months away.  This just adds to the anxiety and the fear of the unknown.

I have heard people joke asking when do we get the letters from the teachers telling us who our kids get for a teacher next year and saying they are hoping it’s not them again.  It so funny but deep down I’m wondering, will schools open in August? I know a lot of parents who work and providing homeschool is near impossible.  It’s all of the unknowns that are kicking our butts right now.  This just adds to the depression some struggle with on a daily basis AND is just another worry on top of all the other things we are dealing with.

So, if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, I say to you….

You are not alone.  Please find 1 or 2 people and be sure to talk to them every single day.  Tell them what’s going on and tell them to call you everyday to check on you.  Video chat with them so you can see a smiling face.  Create a grateful list and list what you are grateful for every day.  Even if it’s things that SEEM small because those things are important too.  Make your bed every morning so you aren’t tempted to get back in it.  Shower.  Put some makeup on, even if you’re not going anywhere.  Create a goal list every night for the next day.  Even if your goals are pracgtical things like get out of bed, shower or pray.

All I ask is that you please, please, please don’t isolate yourself.  While all this COVID-19 crap is going on, it’s hard but get creative or allow your friends and or family to get creative to help you.  You are so important.  I know it’s hard and I know it sucks.  I’m going to list some numbers below, please call them if you need to and don’t hesitate.  These numbers will provide a listening ear and resources for you.  I’m going to pray over this blog and I’m going to pray for you.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 800-662-4357

National Hopeline Network 800-784-2433 (800-SUICIDE)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (TALK)