Starting off the New Year Right
As the year starts fresh, we look back on the challenges (aka growth opportunities) that 2020 had for us, and we look ahead to the year to come. Even if 2021 ends up looking similar to the year that just ended, let’s focus on what we learned during 2020 and how we can prepare for a new, exciting, post-pandemic year.
2021 Might Be Similar to 2020
Although the good news is on the horizon regarding the pandemic and an available vaccine, many experts tell us that it will take some time to return to normal. We’ve been hearing about our “new normal” for months, however, now is the time where we put that talk into action. We’ll see what fits and what doesn’t, what we learned, what we want to hold on to and shape our ideas of what is normal for the world ahead.
This year has been especially tough for those who suffer from mental illness, and even for the population without a diagnosable condition, many of life’s difficulties have intensified. By mid-July, over half of adults in the United States said the pandemic and the stress it caused had exacerbated mental health concerns, almost doubling from earlier in 2020. Many people reported having difficulty sleeping, engaging in unhealthy eating patterns, and increasing alcohol or drug consumption, all due to the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
To comply with social distancing guidelines, many people have been spending more time alone or with one other person. This element by itself has increased feelings of loneliness, or increased conflict between cohabiting couples, which in turn worsens mental health concerns. Socialization with a variety of people is incredibly important for us, and being denied this simple part of our lives has enlightened us to the importance of connection we once took for granted. This holiday season, even yearly family traditions were not guaranteed, as many families were not able to spend the winter holidays with their loved ones, opting instead for virtual gatherings.
To the list of the challenges we’ve faced this year, it’s important to acknowledge that many Americans have lost their jobs. Job loss can affect an entire family, as many people depend on their monthly income to make ends meet. Even those with savings may not have been prepared for a pandemic that nearly spanned the length of the entire year. What we know about the effects of job loss are that it can easily lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even lead someone down the path of drug use or self-injury. Especially in this country, our jobs come to define who we are. With that part of our lives stripped away, we lose an important part of ourselves, the friendships we made, and the steady paycheck that paid the bills and gave us peace of mind.
As we approach the end of a tumultuous year, we need to acknowledge what we have learned from the pandemic. Let’s not let the challenges we faced fall on deaf ears. Let’s be intentional about what we’ve learned in this season of life, and consider how our lives can improve in 2021. What should we prepare for?
What Didn’t Work
Many people, perhaps due to the stress a pandemic may cause, wanted to ignore what was happening. They wanted to return to work in person before it was safe and keep their lives from changing too much. They weren’t able to adapt to the moment. This, for obvious reasons, didn’t work. Some level of flexibility is necessary to thrive in moments of distress, to problem-solve for the future, rather than regress back to the way that things have always been done.
Therapy can be an amazing resource for those who seek to become better at living in the moment.
For some, physical fitness was a priority, but mental fitness took a back seat. Our routines were disrupted, and many of our connections to what kept us well were not available to us. Whether it was a canceled group fitness class, or no longer feeling comfortable to meet up for our regular breakfast date, or connect with other parents at the weekly playgroup, isolation surely took its toll.
What Did Work
Working from home had positive results for some. Companies who took the initiative and gave their employees the leeway they needed to stay safe from the pandemic and work more flexible hours saw some great returns in terms of productivity. Those who thrive by making their own schedules gained a new sense of what work could be like.
The opportunities in the employment sector seem endless, and perhaps, in 2021, more employers will give their employees the benefit of coming in to work three times a week, logging into conference calls from home, and other benefits.
We adjusted, and we adapted. Many people added meditation or even holistic practices to their daily routines. Many people intentionally sought opportunities for a deeper connection with family and loved ones. Whereas before we may have taken mental health for granted, spending a lot of time alone with ourselves may have shown many of us just how important mental health is.
Another silver lining to the pandemic is the number of people who have sought help for mental health concerns and the other challenges they have faced this year. Yes, mental health issues increased during the pandemic, but it is good news that more people are seeking treatment. Psychologists report seeing their patients notice their bodies and mental and emotional states with better accuracy. We’re becoming more in tune with our bodies, minds, and learning to acknowledge our needs.
What to Look Forward To
The news tells us that a vaccine is coming. However, some things might not go back to the way they were before the pandemic right away. Some things borne from the pandemic, like teletherapy, might have a long life after the pandemic is over. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
We have much to look forward to in the year to come. This pandemic has made us all more aware of our needs and how to be mentally and emotionally healthy. It has made some of us realize how lucky we are, and for others, it has shown the world how we have struggled for years. We have greater empathy for ourselves and others to look forward to.
It all begins with one phone call. Let’s get started!
