Managing Covid Fatigue→

because …
even if you’re not in the high-risk group you can still end up with serious health consequences.

We’re all feeling fed up with the requirements for distancing, mask wearing, and hand sanitizing. However, just because you haven’t gotten Covid by now doesn’t mean that you won’t. And, if you do, it can have devastating effects for you, your family and your future.

If you’re not in the high-risk group, 65 and older, you might not die from getting Covid, but you can still end up with serious long-term health consequences. Specifically, even adults in their 20’s and those that have had asymptomatic infections can show signs of lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis (lung damage). Increasing evidence also shows that people who have had the illness have signs of cardiac damage, blood clotting, liver abnormalities and neurological deficits. We’re talking about potential consequences to your future health and quality of life. 

It’s true - the protective precautions are inconvenient, they interfere with how we like to do business, and they add stress. Even if you’re not anxious, remembering to stay 6 feet apart and wear a mask takes up bandwidth. Add to this the compassion fatigue that naturally happens with the constant media coverage, and it’s easy to feel numb to what is happening, overwhelmed by being powerless to stop it, and ‘over’ caring about it; but this doesn’t change the facts. Whether we want to deal with Covid or not, we still have to. 

What to do:

1. Focus on WHY 

   Why do you want to keep up the protective measures? Because, the virus is real and getting it could have real devastating effects on everything you care about.

2. Identify what part is hard and have a plan

Don’t have a mask or hand sanitizer when you need it?  It’s easier if the mask is part of your wardrobe and the hand sanitizer is already next to you. If it’s in your car – you’re more likely to grab it as you walk in and out of public spaces. Place them by your phone, by the door, and in your wallet or purse. You don’t forget your phone, and now you won’t forget your mask. 

Hard to think with your mask on? It’s probably because the slight obstruction to your breath might be causing you to over breathe. Rapid shallow respiration will cause a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in your blood. This triggers the nervous system to begin to warn your body that something is wrong which can create physiologically based feelings of nervousness that are outside of our awareness. The effect is real, and it can put a drag on your focus, processing speed and problem solving. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix. Take a few slow measured breaths and the effect will clear. Breath in for a count of 4, hold for 2, breathe out for a count of 6, and hold for 2. It takes a bit of getting used to but there is no danger to breathing with a mask on, even for extended periods of time.

Sick of isolation? Get creative. You don’t have to be socially distant, just physically distant. You can see your friends and family. It’s easiest to meet outside where there’s a breeze and you can all stay 6 feet apart. No breeze? Use a fan. Raining? Set rain dates in advance. 

Focus on what is in your control and take action. This will make it easier for you and your family, and we can keep each other safe.

As always, feel free to ask questions or leave comments.  Also, if you want to see more post like this, make sure to sign up for The BrierPatch Blog or like us on Facebook. 

 

Stay Well,
Deanna Beech, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist