If you prefer a video/audio version of this blog, check out the video at the end.
As lockdown
restrictions begin to lift, many lives are going to be shifted once again. Not
only are many going to have to return back to their previous schedules after
being off schedule for months, but also, life as we once knew it will not be
the same; especially (but not only) for our kids who simply don’t understand the capacity of what is happening around them.
Physical
distancing requirements, events like field trips, and major occasions being permanently
canceled, daily temperature checks, limited interactions with others, walking
into completely different environments from when we left them and many more will start to become the new reality for many.
While many are
understandably excited to return to “normal” after being cooped up for so long,
we must also understand that we are not returning to “normal” but rather
adjusting to a new normal. All of these things I mentioned above will
take a toll on the mental health and minds of many. As human beings, even
though we are eager to get back out there, we don’t like change and these adjustments
for some, are going to be far from easy.
Just to provide
some context for what I’m talking about, The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
recently released new guidelines for re-opening our schools. Don’t get me
wrong, I most definitely appreciate any precautionary measures taken to limit
the spread of COVID-19 as someone who is immunocompromised. However, as a
psychology major, I’m also mindful of what these requirements, guidelines, and
restrictions will do to the minds of many but especially young kids.
You’ve
seen myself and many others post about the effects of the isolation and
quarantine on kids alone which is immensely real but what’s also real is that not
only will those effects most likely stick with them as we’re talking about
months of buildup if not addressed, but also, we need to look out for these effects even when
we put them back into the world and it’s not simply because of the change in
routine; it’s because of the many changes they will be faced with.
When they get
on the bus and try to sit next to their friend they haven’t seen in over 6
months and are told they have to sit alone, when classrooms look completely
different, when they’re told there will be no field trips this year or that
they can’t eat the same way in the cafeteria with their group of friends as
they always have, or even lend a friend a pencil. While some of these things
may appear minor, they will be huge for our kids. Again, they only can
understand so much about what is going on. When we send them back to school,
they most likely will think things are going to return to normal and so we must
prepare them for these changes. We must not be afraid to talk to them about the
changes they may see and even when we do, chances are, they will not completely
understand the capacity of the situation because let’s face it, there are
adults who are still trying to figure that out. With that being said, check in
with your kids; ask them how they’re doing, how they’re feeling, etc. This is
important even without a pandemic but even more so now that ever and in the
months and even years to come because more likely than not, if they’re struggling,
they are probably figuring out what is even going on or why. They may not be so
open about what they’re feeling because they most likely don’t know how to be
because many are being dealt with a whole slew of emotions that they never have
had to face before. By checking in, you’re opening up that opportunity for them
to tell you these important things.
Another thing to be mindful of are the ones
who are being bullied. For many of them, this lockdown was most likely a relief
because they finally got a break from it and are most likely going to be thrown
back into that situation especially with all of the stress students will be under that they may not be quite sure how to cope with to begin with.
Further, it’s
no surprise at this point that the pandemic will take a major toll on the
mental health of many and for some, even leave traumatic effects long after the
pandemic has vanished; as I discussed in my post on these traumatic effects a few weeks ago. Although
some are more at risk than others such as those on the front lines, experienced the loss of a loved one, vulnerable
or high-risk populations, etc. no one is immune to these
effects which is why it is crucial to be aware of them and talk about them. As
I’ve talked about in many other posts, we’re all different levels and these changes
and effects will be different for everyone. Everyone will process and cope differently,
some may still be figuring out how to process all of this. We’re all on
different levels here and that’s okay.
No matter where
you are right now or where you will be in the weeks, months, or years to come, be
gentle with yourself. Know that things will be different and it will take time
to adjust but you will get there. No change is ever easy especially the major
changes we are faced with at this time. Go at your own pace and seek support
when you need it. If you’re not sure where to turn for support and need a listening ear text “Share” to 741741 to be connected to a live, trained Crisis
Counselor at Crisis Text Line. You are never alone.
Thanks so
much for checking out my blog post! Please share to help get this message out
to as many people as possible! You never know who needs to hear!
~Compassionately
Inspired
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