Do you feel that grip? The one that keeps you rooted in place? You’re trying to move forward, to simply ride out the wave—whether it’s one you saw coming or one that catches you off guard, like right now…
You want to go further, to save yourself. To stop treading water. That treading water that makes you impatient—even mean—toward those you love. You no longer have control over this state of mind: you’re suffocated by your anxieties. They’ve taken over you; you haven’t had a say in the matter, not even a chance to interject. Now you’re caught up in this whirlwind. You’re ashamed to talk about it. You think you’re alone, but that’s not true.
You wonder if it will pass; you’ll say, “I’m fine,” to anyone who asks. All you want is to be freed from this grip, freed from this stress that’s eating away at your mind—a mind you thought was stronger.
We don’t choose our trials, and although sometimes we’ve anticipated them—we’ve been able to change things and take action—this time it’s different. We’re all living through this pandemic together, at the same time, each in our own way. It’s okay if you’re not doing well, if you thought you could handle it but your home has become like a prison cell.
Your days are all starting to blend together. You’ve lost your bearings, and it’s affecting you more than usual. The tension with your boyfriend is sometimes unbearable. The arguments are piling up, and the kind words are dwindling. You feel like you’re no longer sure of anything, and your relationship is at the top of that list. It’s far from conducive to romance. How much more can you take? You don’t have the energy left to respond to him. Your mom is worried because you’ve lost your cheerful voice. The kids’ laughter doesn’t make you laugh nearly as much anymore. You need to relieve this stress as soon as possible before the situation gets out of hand. Lockdown is beyond our control and seems to be getting in the way of your solution.
But don’t give up. Call a friend or a coworker. Don’t apologize—you’re only human. Take things one step at a time when you’re ready. In the meantime, keep your head up and stay dry. Believe in who you are and don’t try to change yourself. Listen to your heart. Anything beyond your control isn’t your fault and shouldn’t stop you from moving forward and believing in happiness. This period of involuntary isolation may disrupt certain aspects of your life, but don’t let dark thoughts take over.
Mental health issues are real and more prevalent than ever. Depression is a condition that must be treated to prevent it from reaching a point of no return. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional when you feel like you’re drowning, like there’s no reason left to stay afloat. During these difficult times, when everyone’s emotions are being put to the test, it’s important to seek out and accept all the help available so you can emerge stronger and rediscover yourself, leaving behind what wasn’t working until the next storm comes along. By then, you’ll be better equipped to face it.
Mouvement santé mentale Québec: 1-866-appelle / mouvementsmq.ca