PSYCHOLOGICAL KEY THINGS TOREMEMBER AS COVID NEARS END

When we were asked to ‘socially distance’ they really meant ‘Physical distancing’, just to keep ourselves safe.

It can be difficult being emotionally alive while being physically distanced from one another. As

humans, we need interaction with each other. Because connecting with others is important, it is

imperative to know that trust and cooperation should be our focus.

Because of masks, our non-verbal communication skills were enhanced (lip reading and/or facial

expressions)

Let’s face it, relationships were strained because of the physical distancing, so how do you navigate

back into the “norm” to remove the strain?

• Understand that relationships, friendships and connecting with people are still

important activities that humans engage in;

• As strange as it has been during the last year with each other we have managed to

adjust to make it through;

• Remember, love can be shown more during troubling times than happy times;

• Some relationships/friendships were strengthened during this time because we

understand that relationships really matter.

• Let’s support each other by accepting/establishing new creative ways to reach out

to one another; let’s value the worth of meeting each other in person (whenever

that transpires) in other words, don’t take it for granted.

• Understand that many feelings came during and out of this pandemic: fear,

concern, confusion, anxiety, etc. For so many individuals, most of these feelings

were already being experienced before the pandemic due to various reasons.

We should remember that even though we, as a nation, are going through this not so pleasant

situation, there is a silver lining that we can focus on: humans have come together to be there for

one another! From communities and city initiatives, to reaching out to the less fortunate to

supporting those who lost loved ones and our frontline medical workers who sacrificed by helping

those who contracted the virus, etc.

These are things to be proud of and that can help us navigate back into the “world” as best we can.

So, let’s continue to invest in relationships and connect with our loved ones, friends, etc. because

the truth is, (in the natural sense) “we” are who helped us to make it this far....

Annette Harris,

Certified Mental Health Ambassador

Author, 'Surviving A Silenced Heartbeat'

CEO of GetcaughtinANet, Inc.

Host of MBSWANET (afternoons) and MBSAD (evenings)