Is “Virus Fatigue” Real?
· 70% of people say they need a break from the news because COVID-related news makes them feel worse emotionally.
· I’ve seen hundreds of comments on social media that look like this:
“I am…..Lonely, angry, tired of being strong, of having to be a superwoman, sad, discouraged, feeling let down, afraid, and overwhelmed.” Others said they were mad at God but afraid to admit it; they missed church, friends and loved ones. And I’m still haunted by the cry of one of my clients, “I’m safe, but I’m not OK!”
Whether we call these reactions quarantine fatigue (relating to our emotional state) or virus fatigue (referring to physical symptoms), I think we can safely declare that virus/quarantine fatigue is real, and it has infected a lot of us.
So if you come down with this bug, what are you supposed to do? What CAN you do?
First of all, let’s strike down some myths that likely surround this contagious state.
Myth 1: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
FACT: Trying to ignore your feelings or keep them from surfacing will only make
It worse in the long run. For real healing, it is necessary to face this situation and actively deal with it.
Some of the comments from that vast number of social media followers read like this:
“It feels good just to get the words out,”
“When I write my feelings and my prayers down, it helps,”
These folks have discovered what I know as a coach and counselor: When you acknowledge your fears – by writing them down or talking to a safe person – they lose some of their power to control you. You see, when they just run amok in your brain, they circle and circle around and, like a Twilight Show episode, will drive you crazy with all the “ANTS – Awful Negative Thoughts.”
ANTS - Awful Negative Thoughts
So take away that control – face those scary thoughts head on and say them out loud.
Myth 2: It’s important to be “strong” in the face of crisis.
FACT: Feeling sad, frightened or lonely is a normal reaction in times like these.
Crying doesn’t mean you’re weak. And you don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you. Think about what people have found to help in difficult times: For example: “Sometimes it’s OK to not be OK.” “What helps me is a good cry.” And Paul tells us in the Bible: “…that is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in… hardships, for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Myth 3. If you DON’T cry or freak out, you’re not worried at all and must be in denial.
FACT: Crying is a normal response to sadness, loneliness or fear, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply handle things differently or have other ways of expressing their feelings. I would also add that some people get angry, and that’s OK too. Even the Bible instructs us to “be angry, but sin not.” So as long as you find a healthy outlet for that anger; (i.e. no yelling, screaming or hurting others for example), you’re good. A lot of times you can work off anger by physical exercise, or use the energy generated to set boundaries or start something you’ve been afraid to face.
Now, let’s talk about what we can do to get through this virus fatigue.
1. Like physical, spiritual and emotional fatigue, you need rest to get over this bug.
The “I’ve-got-to-keep-going-24/7-to-be-successful” atmosphere the world has developed over past generations has not been our friend. “REST is not a bad word, so don’t feel guilty for resting.”
2. Lack of consistency or structure contributes to this bug, and the longer the lockdown lasts, the more risk there is for emotional toil.
So the answer is – you guessed it – routines and plans. Get up every morning and get dressed, even if it’s in comfortable clothes. But it’s better than lying around all day in your pj’s. Put makeup on and be beautiful just for you and your family. After all, they’re the important ones in your life, right? Divide your day into work-time and rest-time, play-time and productive time. You’ll feel more in charge of you, your day and this pesky virus fatigue.
3. I started this blog by reporting that most people need a break from the news because COVID-related news makes them feel worse emotionally. Well HELLO, yes it does!
One of the best treatments for this virus fatigue is not to feed it.
This may take discipline on your part, but I guarantee you when you don’t start your morning with the latest news on TV, computer or newspaper, you’re off to a better start. Follow that up by only checking social media for interesting, educational or fun facts your Facebook friends offer. You really can skip over all those dire predictions and discouraging statistics. Believe me, if there’s something important you need to know in the world, you’ll hear about it. I remember when 9/11 occurred, we didn’t see it on TV or know anything about it until some friends called. You’ll find out if you need to know it.
You’ve heard – and you know – about other physical and spiritual remedies; I just wanted to offer you something for your mental health today.
So take a break already – go the mountains or to the beach; get out in your backyard and watch for birds and butterflies. Let’s beat this virus fatigue bug!
