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Sharing – People Aren’t ‘Addicted’ to Wearing Masks, They’re Traumatized
‘ve been describing it to friends and coworkers as “the inability to just turn off the fear of other people and their germs”. Because, in some ways, that’s exactly what it was. I’ve spent a year plus barely leaving my house. Sure, I worked from home even before the pandemic, but it’s an extreme sport now, going into the back yard is an adventure into a strange and exotic place, let alone being around other people.
Yesterday, however, I did manage to get out and meet up with a friend and former coworker. I won’t say it wasn’t awkward. But, it wasn’t as awkward as my anxiety had built it up in my head, mostly because I think we both knew it was awkward, and went out of our way to figure out what we were comfortable with. We met in the office building where she works, wearing masks. She asked if I wanted to keep being masked walking to lunch, and we agreed to not, and to sit outside to be safer. And she asked before giving me a hug after lunch.
It was an important lesson to me, that we need to navigate this together with the people we care about, and meet them at the level where they are comfortable. It’s not about racing to be the most “normal” group, it’s about making sure everyone comes along, and is comfortable, because we’ve all dealt with various levels of trauma over the last 14-15 months, trauma that will show up in a variety of ways. There’s nothing wrong with people who are slower to feel comfortable, they are just doing what they can. I’d rather meet them where they are, and where I am, than not see them at all anymore, or shame them about their own hesitation. It’s not a race.
Link – The Stigma of Mental Illness in Rural America
I can’t say for myself that this has been an issue, but I have lived in very large cities for most of my life. “Your neighbors don’t have a clue in a city if you’re going to go get some help. But everybody [in a small town] will know if your pickup truck is parked…
Link – Why I’m Tired Of Mental Health Awareness Events
I agree with a lot of what James has written in this article. Yes, we need to continue to talk about mental health. The attention the issue has grabbed has made a dent in attitudes and awareness, and there is more to do there.
But, despite all the talk and awareness, we still have a criminally low level of resources available actually to help people. All too often, people who hear these conversations and attend these events wind up looking for help, and finding none.
Link – A Fragile State
Back in the Fall of 2018, NOLA.com did a series of stories highlighting the failure of the mental health care system in Louisiana. The stories are heartbreaking, and some will be difficult to read. If you’re easily triggered, think about skipping them. On the other hand if you want to fully understand what it’s like…
