How Should I React to COVID-19?

What is the correct way to respond during a pandemic? Is there necessarily a “right” way to respond? What should we be feeling? What should, what should, what should – this has probably become a very familiar phrase by now. Too often we “should” ourselves and focus on what we think the correct and socially acceptable response is, instead of focusing on how we actually feel.

So, how should you react to the Covid-19 crisis? You should allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. If you are scared, that’s fine. If you are anxious, then that’s fine too. If you feel strangely happy, then that is how you feel. You don’t need to judge yourself for having emotions.  We judge ourselves for being depressed because people have it worse than we do, or for being anxious, because worrying isn’t productive. Perhaps you feel guilty when something makes you happy, or because you still have a job and a sense of stability in your life, while others do not.

These are all normal responses. Once you have acknowledged these feelings, the real question is what do you do afterward? Comparing emotions isn’t good for your mental health. There are over 7 billion people in the world, and others having it worse does not mean that your own pain doesn’t matter.

The first thing you need to do is identify which of your feelings are making you uncomfortable. The second is to not judge yourself for feeling them, although this is easier said than done. To achieve this, consider balancing.

Finding Balance

Your feelings could be telling you something that you need to pay attention to before they overwhelm you. If you are anxious, reflect upon and take comfort in the aspects of your life that are stable. If you feel sadness, focus on the things you have that make you feel happy. If you are feeling guilty about not feeling stressed or sad, try finding ways to help others who are.

This is a difficult time for everyone, and finding balance is key. And hey, it’s okay to be fed up with spending so much time with your family. I feel it, and I’m sure my family feels the same way about me some days. However, you can thank God for the things you do have, and everything in your life that still brings you joy.

Judging, shaming, and beating yourself up will only make things worse. You would never talk about a friend or family member that way, so don’t do it to yourself either. The more we beat ourselves up, the weaker we will become. We need to survive the best we can and be gentle with ourselves and others.

My verse for the year is Ephesians 4:2.  “Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.” God chose that verse for me back in December, and only He knew that I would have to learn how to be more humble, gentle, patient and bearing with others. Those are four very difficult constructs that God has challenged me with this year. I thank God for the opportunity to work on those for myself and for others. We need gentleness and kindness now more than ever before.

If you are struggling with judging your emotions and “shoulding” yourself, know that you are not alone. At Stenzel Clinical Services, we have over 40 therapists that are working in the office and via telehealth during this Covid-19 period. Visit our website for more information about connecting with a therapist.