Finding Meaning in a World Obsessed by Covid-19

Posted on: April 20, 2020

If you are like me, you have been spending time trying not to think about Covid-19, and then secretly searching for the latest statistic on how bad things are — and then trying to distract myself when the crisis gets to me and I think I just can’t stand it anymore. This pandemic is wreaking havoc on people’s emotional health and mental well-being. Feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety are all normal responses to a situation that increasingly looks like it will last far longer than we anticipated when it started. A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly half of all Americans feel that the coronavirus has adversely affected their mental health. Yet what can be a normal response to a tragic situation — sadness, grief and anger — can quickly turn to depression, particularly in people with previous mental health issues. So what can you do about this?

First, don’t deny that this is a tragedy. It is. Experience the despair, sadness and grief that is a normal response to thousands of people dying, but don’t forget to look for the flickers of light within the darkness. It is these small flickers that will ultimately sustain you and help you weather the crisis. Studies suggest that people who can find the good, even in the midst of a trauma, are more likely to be resilient.

So the second thing you can do is “Look for the good.This doesn’t mean being cheerfully happy in the face of the crisis, but it does mean taking time to stop, smell the flowers — it is spring! — and take time to purposively enjoy the small things in life. Many friends of mine have spoken about being inspired by the small ways that we are coming together as a community and helping each other.

Third, search for meaning. What does this crisis teach us about the meaning of life, about our purpose, or about what makes for a good life? Search for meaning, and then think about how your life can contribute. Seek out connections with others, whether by volunteering (but only if you are young, healthy and can stay protected), contributing financially, or calling someone who is homebound on the phone. Offer to bring groceries to your neighbor, so only one of you needs to be exposed in the supermarket. Perhaps you have been missing a spiritual connection. Is this a time to either seek out a new faith-based organization or to deepen your connection to an existing one?

Lastly, structure and keeping to a regular schedule is important. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. I am terrible at doing this, but I know it is a good thing. Schedule time for exercise, even if it is just a walk around the block. Take regular time to do things that are pleasurable, such as reading, watching a movie or cuddling with your pet. Play games with family members or have a regular time when you meet with friends over Zoom to either chat or continue a hobby that you share, such as a book club or a craft group. I’ve found that it is easy for one day to bleed into the next. Working from home makes it harder to keep work and home life separate. Create ways to shape your day and your week — like no social media on Sundays and not answering texts or emails in the evening.

Posted in: Current Events