How do we remain positive in uncertain times when everything looks so bleak? Less than six months ago, we were blissfully unaware that we would be at war with something unseen – the Covid-19 virus that is wreaking havoc in our lives.
There is hardship and suffering all around us – people have been retrenched, livelihoods are under threat, some have not been able to put food on the table and many more are going hungry. How do we survive this unseen enemy?
As humans are such creatures of habit, we have come to rely on routine so much that as soon as we are thrown a curve ball, we start floundering. Many are swimming against the tide, and it’s not easy.
‘Normal’ is no longer in our vocabulary and the term ‘new normal’ has taken over; one hears it bandied around by government ministers and the general public.
How does one change one’s habits when one has become accustomed to doing things a certain way? With difficulty, of course.
While most people are back at work full time, some are not which creates more angst and uncertainty.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted an urgent need to increase investment in services for mental health or risk a massive surge in mental health conditions in the coming months.
“The impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health is already extremely concerning,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “Social isolation, fear of contagion, and loss of family members is compounded by the distress caused by loss of income and often, employment.”
The organisation has reported an increase in depression and anxiety in a number of countries. How do we keep our chins up?
Every day, we are bombarded with messages of social distancing and wearing a mask in public and that now it is up to us to keep safe from contracting the virus.Let’s take a step back and take a deep breath.
For one moment, forget the upheaval around you as you read the quote below:”Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” – Dalai Lama.
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