Many of us are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and stressed by the demands of family and working from home OR from being laid off and perhaps not having enough money for payments and groceries. Our thoughts focus on getting through the day alone, missing family and friends or juggling our children’s home schooling while working, possibly caring for seniors or worrying about seniors who are alone. For those of us who are still working, especially our Health Care professionals, in Hospitals and Long Term Care facilities, we worry about our patients, our own health and our families when we return home. Front line workers have other stress and concerns. Very few are sleeping soundly.
We have read about these pandemics in history books, perhaps our grandparents speak of similar times but we have not only never experienced this, we have never imagined this. It is scary, frustrating, and stressful.
The million dollar question is “when will this be over”? We all long for a return to a somewhat “normal” life, although we will clearly need to adjust to a “new” normal when that time comes. It will not be too much longer – hang in there.
There are numerous support services readily available and I encourage you to check the COVID-19 tab here on this website, offering answers to many frequently asked questions (FAQs).
We are here to help as well. Please contact me with your concerns and questions, akeyes@markham.ca or 905-475-4865. Also, reach out the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health team for numerous services including counselling, care co-ordination, grocery delivery, meals on wheels, transportation to name a few they offer, or if you have time and energy, volunteer your time to them and others.
Together we will get through this – we have to.