These days, my nighttime routine has completely transformed. In fact, nothing seems the same anymore. Just a couple of weeks ago, I would slip into my cozy clothes, check the video monitors to keep an eye on my kids, and then curl up in bed with an engaging book on my Kindle app. But since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has changed dramatically.
Instead of immersing myself in the latest thriller or mystery novel, I now find myself typing “coronavirus updates” into Google every night without fail. The first thing that greets me is a red “SOS Alert” notification, a stark reminder of the pandemic’s gravity. Each news headline drives my anxiety about my loved ones a little higher.
I find myself scrolling through article after article for hours, losing track of time until I am nearly forcing my eyelids open to stay awake. My phone is always in hand, not just charging at night, but actively consumed with research on COVID-19. I’ve even started dreaming about contracting the virus—no joke.
Honestly, I’m exhausted from constantly hearing about COVID-19. Yet, I can’t help but dive deeper into the information. It feels as though my world—and everyone else’s—is revolving around this crisis. In all honesty, I’ve developed an obsession with the coronavirus.
I don’t want to feel this way. I long for the days when I could enjoy my nightly mysteries by Darcy Coates without checking breaking news every few hours. I wish to write about my passions without feeling they are “irrelevant” amidst this turmoil. The anxiety stemming from this situation is overwhelming, and it’s rooted in things I cannot control.
If it were just me to worry about, I might be binge-watching movies from the couch or reading in bed. However, I have four children, a husband who continues to work, and vulnerable family members, including my mother and grandfather, to consider. Although children are generally not at high risk, COVID-19 still threatens them and poses serious dangers to those with health conditions. This concern keeps my anxiety at a peak, replaying worst-case scenarios in my mind.
Given my family responsibilities and the chaos surrounding us, it feels as though there is no room in my life for anything beyond COVID-19. The government has done a poor job of communicating accurate information about the virus, and even our president has downplayed its severity, suggesting a premature reopening of the country despite warnings from health experts like epidemiologist Larry Brilliant.
People seem to cling to the words of our leaders as if they are infallible, yet if the blatant disregard for medical advice continues, how can we expect to control the spread? The answer is simple: we can’t, and that reality is frightening.
Despite the gravity of the situation, people are still traveling and running non-essential errands. What is happening in America? This week marked a grim milestone with over 200 COVID-19-related deaths reported in a single day. We haven’t even reached the peak yet. The health of our nation relies on individuals taking this crisis seriously. If we ignore social distancing guidelines, we only prolong the suffering and, tragically, many lives will be lost.
So, no, I can’t simply “calm down.” My usual distractions fail to provide solace in the midst of a pandemic. This is an unprecedented time that demands our vigilance, even as we strive to maintain our sanity.
Our lives are in disarray; what once felt “normal” now seems trivial. However, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to take breaks from the overwhelming news while still recognizing its significance. We can still share laughter with our partners and enjoy tea parties with our kids, all while being aware of the uncertain future that lies ahead. There’s still room for joy even when it may not seem like it.
That said, I will keep myself informed to protect my family and possibly yours too. I will strive for a balance between staying informed and preserving my mental health. If you relate to what I’m expressing, know that you’re not alone in this journey. We are all in this together. For further insights, don’t miss out on this post from one of our other blogs.
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Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered daily routines, leading to an unhealthy obsession with news updates about the virus. This newfound fixation brings anxiety, especially for those with families, as the threat of the virus looms large. While it’s important to stay informed, it’s also vital to find moments of joy and maintain mental health amidst the chaos.