Disclaimer: in Singapore, the number of cases diagnosed daily has dropped since our lockdown/Circuit Breaker. Things are slowly opening up and I am writing the post in the context of a society that’s in pandemic mode but also trying to find its way back to normal. If you’re living somewhere where COVID cases are still rising, this probably doesn’t apply to you yet.
You may notice that the pandemic is a common topic in these Mental Health Monday posts. Well, I can’t really help that because that is really a huge thing that’s going on right now. I’ve talked a bit about how pandemic fatigue is real, but today I want to take a slightly different tack and muse about (and hopefully get your opinions on) when we can start going back to normal life.
I’m not sure how long COVID-19 has been in your country, but in Singapore, we started worrying around Chinese New Year and officially entered our Circuit-Breaker (aka our Lockdown) in April. It’s September now, so we’ve been living with a pandemic for half a year.
(Side note: I wonder what we would think of the Black Death if they had blogs back then. Would we have lots of people worrying about miasma and social distancing and people who refused to do so as well?)
At this point, it’s not just coronavirus fatigue that has set it. We’re also dealing with new questions, like:
When will life be normal again?
Can life by normal again?
Why are there so many people out in the streets nowadays? Aren’t they scared??
What happens when we’re told about the second wave and how we’re going to need to keep up these precautions for the foreseeable future BUT we also see that cases are going down where we live?
What happens when all you want to do is to be able to meet your friends and have a meal and talk and laugh with them without having to check in and out of places and worry about whether you’re too close to the next person?
In some ways, the first phase of the pandemic was easier to deal with – sure, things were terrifying, but they were also simpler. We stayed indoors, we made the sacrifices needed, and we did our best to hold things together. Now that things are getting better, there’s the constant wonder about when we can get back to normal (and then the silent, or not-so-silent, seething at the people who are already out without masks).
My take on the whole thing is: yes, we need to be careful about a second wave. Yes, we need to wear masks and observe social distancing and work from home whenever possible. BUT, we are in a place where we can start to prioritise our own mental health. If you need interaction, meet up with a small group of friends. If you need to leave the house for a walk, go somewhere a bit more ulu and take a walk there.
Because for all my wishful thinking about normalcy and the desire to get rid of coronavirus fatigue, the truth is that the pandemic is going to last a long time and we need to make a new normal. That means, if things are getting better, to start taking responsible steps towards things that are not strictly essential to life, but hugely beneficial for our mental health.
I agree! I think we need to be prudent and mindful of the health of others, even if we believe ourselves to be low-risk or okay with taking risks. However, no one can shut themselves indoor for months with no social interaction. I think it’s okay to think about what we need for our mental health and to meet up with others in a safe manner–in very small groups, with masks on, outside, whatever the health authorities are recommending as best practices where we are. This is going to last a long time and so I think you are right that we need to start thinking how we will be able to cope long-term.
Yup!! As much as I believe we need to be very careful for the long term, it’s not healthy for us to live in panic-mode indefinitely.
Hope you’re staying safe and finding ways to cope!!
So far, I am doing okay! Yes, it’s getting rather boring staying away from everyone all the time, but it could be much worse. I’m lucky I haven’t known anyone personally who’s really been devastated by the pandemic. Only the friend of a friend sort of thing.
I hope you are staying safe, as well! We’ll make it through!
My biggest struggle has been that around my colleagues I’ve started to get lacks. Nothing too bad, but enough that I’m having to mentally tell myself off and remind myself of distance and they have to do the same. I miss just being able to hang out!
I feel you! Hanging out online is better than not hanging out at all, but it’s not as good as hanging out in person!
One million percent!!
You’re right. Cases are still going up in the US, but people are already trying to force their way to regaining a sense of normalcy without taking precautions, and I think that hurts rather than helps anything. If we acquire a “new normal” that includes taking preventative measures, I think it will help us resolve all this a bit quicker, or at least without as many infections/deaths.
Oh no, that sounds very dangerous! I think masks and smaller groups (plus distancing between groups) need to be part of the new normal. But first, the cases (especially community cases) have to go down!
I find myself torn. The numbers in my part of the U.S. are still high and we are all supposed to be avoiding social gatherings and maintaining social distancing. But even those who were once careful are taking more chances now, wanting to return to normal. One of Mouse’s friends is planning an in-person birthday party. I want so much for my daughter to take part in normal events like that, but I have so many reservations. Not to mention it goes against the current state mandates. My anxiety is definitely going to be a hindrance to my family’s return to any semblance of normalcy. I already find myself wondering if I’m being overly cautious and overprotective–and beating myself up over it.
I don’t think you’re overly cautious! I may be trying to find a new normal, but that’s only because cases in Singapore are going down and we haven’t seen an explosion in community cases that would imply a second wave of infections.
I think it’s normal for people to want to go back to normal, but our first priority should be to get back to an environment where we can do so, if that makes sense?