Depression vs Pandemic Fatigue

The New York Times recently named it, “As the coronavirus surges,
a new culprit emerges: Pandemic Fatigue.” GAVI goes on to say,
“we have collectively gone into a form of flight-or-fight mode,
an evolutionary self-defense mechanism that can kick in when faced with a crisis.”

In the United States, we have more known cases and deaths than any other country. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that about half the population is experiencing “pandemic fatigue.” It is a very real feeling of exhaustion stemming from the effects of the coronavirus on your life – from stay-at-home orders to the fear of getting ill, to losing jobs to safety of children as the question on whether school is safe to return to. UCLA Health defines pandemic fatigue, as “wrestling with intense emotions day after day drains your energy.” Emotions that many of us are dealing with, include: fear, anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness. A psychologist recently stated, “fear has really been replaced with fatigue.”

UCLA Health continues to state that the “hallmark sign of pandemic fatigue is a sense of inner weariness.” Including, helplessness, sadness, worry, frustration, and irritability. You may notice that you:

• Eat or sleep more or less than usual
• Have trouble focusing (brain fog)
• Feel edgy or nervous
• Snap at or argue with others
• Lack motivation
• Are unable to stop racing thoughts
• Withdraw from others

It is perfectly normal to feel burned out right now. Ongoing stress is taking a toll; alcohol sales are up; anxiety, depression, paranoia has increased for many; and sadly overdose deaths are on the rise.

UCLA Health suggests that it is essential to pay attention to your emotional and physical needs. Take steps to renew your energy and feel more in control:

• Take care of your body
• Limit your news intake
• Lower your stress
• Connect with others
• Accept your feelings
• Try positive self-talk
• Create new traditions

Watch for more information on healthy ways to cope coming up in future blogs.

WAYS TO GET YOUR LIFE IN BALANCE
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