Just like that, our state has re-opened. No matter where you land on the issues, whether you were wanting a quick reopening, or if you were happy to be at home, we may be in for a bumpy ride. As I said in my last article, we don’t know if this is the right thing to do or not. We can look at predictions, models, listen to experts, and wrack our brains trying to figure out what’s going to happen. We can argue for re-opening. We can argue for sheltering at home. We can go round and round and round. For me, my job is being aware of the very real mental health impacts present throughout the pandemic.
Here’s what I experienced less that 24 hours into the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling: client after client struggling with overwhelming anxiety. These are well-educated, hardworking, bright people who want to get back to work. These people miss their friends. They miss their families. They want the state to reopen. But now that it’s happened, and in such a dramatic way, they are scared. They are scared for their health. They are scared for the health and wellbeing of their children and loved ones. They are afraid to return to work. They are scared that, without proper guidance from the state, people won’t use sound judgement. They are afraid in an overwhelming increase in positive COVID cases.
Here’s a sample of what I saw today in my own small town. Some business owners are taking precautions to protect their employees and their patrons. Some are not. One bar was completely packed at 2 pm. People sitting shoulder to shoulder. Another bar down the street asked people to please continue ordering take out. That restaurant owner has decided to cut capacity in the restaurant to 50% and asks that patrons dining in please maintain social distancing, wash their hands, and stay home if they are sick. Two very stark examples that illustrate what is happening in our state right now. So, it’s no wonder that people are feeling nervous. We are constantly being bombarded with conflicting information.
It’s like we are stuck in a catch-22. Sheltering at home leads to anxiety related to financial strain and depression from social isolation. Reopening without a safety plan is spiking anxiety and fear in many people. As a mental health professional, I am not at all afraid of contracting COVID-19. What I am concerned about is a spike in cases, and another lock-down closer to the time of year when seasonal affect disorder hits our state hard. Even without a pandemic and shelter at home order, we see a significant increase in depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts during the early fall into winter. A second lock down could be detrimental to the mental health of thousands of Wisconsinites. This is a very real concern within the counseling field.
Who knows what will happen tomorrow, the next day, next week, or even next month? What I do know if that many people are scared. Many people are feeling anxious. If you’re struggling with fear and anxiety, please remind yourself that you cannot control the future. You cannot control those around you. You, and only you, can make healthy, wise, and responsible choices. You can take precautions when you go out. You can limit your exposure to others. You can wear a mask. You can also focus on recognizing anxious thoughts and taking a moment to practice a relaxation skill, mindfulness, or work on shifting your thoughts. If you continue to struggle, please talk to a mental health provider.
If you are excited about the sudden re-opening of the state, I would encourage you to be respectful of those around you. Practice good hygiene. Stay home if you are sick. Be safe. Be responsible. Be reasonable. Listen to your local county government and local authorities. Recognize that others around you may be struggling. Be gracious.
Are you scared? Are you excited? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
To Health, Hope and Healing
Krista