Pandemic: Anxiety, Depression, and Purpose
We are officially in a pandemic and the world is gripped in fear, yet filled with positivity despite this tiny microcosm that has captivated all of us. Over a million cases of the virus have been reported from around the planet. In the United States, we are watching with trepidation as the numbers climb and although we are practicing social distancing and staying home, people are still coming down with the illness. The virus is difficult at best to treat because of age, underlying conditions, and the overall health status of individuals.
This has caused a great deal of anxiety and pushed people into depression. Although social distancing is what aids in lessening the ability for the virus to spread, it also harms us in reaching out to others. We’re unable to hug one another or have close contact, however with the aid of technology, we can video chat, stream movies together and have dance parties that can alleviate our feeling isolated. To fight through depression, we have to be creative in reaching out to others. Moreover, we have to be intentional in checking on others. Depression is an insidious condition, which makes people retreat inside themselves, twists their thoughts and takes people to a dark place. This new behavior is the exact opposite of what people need to be healthy and whole. Unfortunately, for people who have lost loved ones, funerals are a lonely prospect where one has to grieve alone. Besides, weddings, which are jubilant celebrations, are pared down to just immediate family, if appropriate and the happy couple; also births have become solo ventures as well because of the fear of the coronavirus.
Rules, regulations and general norms it is so much to remember it can overwhelm anyone; however, we have to remember that we are safe at home surrounded by all of our creature comforts. We are safe, we are loved, we are happy and God is still in control. Greater than everything is that we all are at peace; yes, there is fear and frustration over finances, dread over the spread of the virus, and alarm over what the future may hold because so much of it is unknown. It’s all understandable and real. However, I choose to remember Psalms 29:11 “The Lord will give strength to his people; The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
I know that my strength and peace comes from God, nowhere else. It can’t be found in material things, money or people. It’s found in God and keeping my focus on things above and not below, which means focusing on Godly principals, like doing good unto others, studying the word and using my skills and talents for God’s people. It is not to say that I can’t pursue my desires, they should be aligned with what God says. Money is not the big bad that everyone says, it is the pursuit of it at the cost of your fellow man that is. For me, my purpose is to build awareness around depression, mental health, and storytelling. Even amidst the pandemic my writing and communication skills allow me to still share hope about the battle with depression.
Psalms 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Indeed peace is found in God, when we remember what’s truly important, our faith, family and friends. May you continue to be safe and have good health.
