March 24: Put It On Hold
The current climate is unusual for everyone. From kids in school to older adults, the world we’re living in is unlike any we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. On the news today, they said that this is the first time the Olympics has been postponed since World War II. In other words, the last time it happened was nearly a century ago, and it was because of human conflict. Now, it’s something else.
I can hardly believe that, two weeks ago, everything still felt normal. Sure, we had extra signs up in the bathrooms at work encouraging people to wash their hands for 20 seconds, and sure, I saw a number of posts on social media sharing occasional updates about COVID-19 (in China, in Italy). Then, within what felt like the span of 24 hours, it all shifted. Society slowed then ground to a halt. Sports seasons were delayed, competitions canceled. Hell, even NASCAR is changing up its practices with iRacing. Workers are out of jobs or on temporary leave. Parents are home with children and are forced to adopt new roles. Life as we knew it has already changed dramatically. What will it look like in two more weeks? In four? In eight?
In April, I will be able to pay off the portion of student loans that were made in my name. I am fortunate that my parents 1) didn’t foist the entire debt on me and 2) allowed me to continue living rent-free in their home following my graduation. However, in the last year or so, it’s become increasingly apparent how important it is that I move out. There are a lot of reasons why. I won’t get into that. For months, I’ve been scouting Zillow and other apartment hunting apps. I made a checklist in Google Sheets (with conditional formatting!) to keep track of what I have. I purchased furniture. But now, that whole goal has been put on hold. It’s not like I can tour an apartment complex in times like these. Whether I like it or not, I am unable to even consider moving out at this time. That’s disappointing, but I can’t do anything about it. I think that’s a big part of why so many people are feeling anxious about this pandemic; there are too many things beyond our control, and if there’s anything we as humans don’t like, it’s feeling powerless.
There are a lot of aspects about this pandemic that scare me. I’ll admit, I am a pretty anxious person already, and I’m not exactly the most courageous person (though at a haunted attraction, I am always the one to lead the party, just wanted to throw that out there). However, this pandemic is at such a massive, daunting, inescapable scale that fear and uncertainty seem to be the only logical response.
I’ve read a few things now that reflect on the likely effects of COVID-19, not in terms of public health, population strength and demographics, or economy, but rather in terms of trauma. Experts suggest that widespread epidemics (or pandemics, in this case) like COVID-19 can cause lasting stress and panic disorders. Following the SARS epidemic, for instance, survivors were left feeling lost, helpless, and mentally fragile. Additionally, while children have a high rate of recovery with COVID-19, that doesn’t mean they are going to come away from this climate unscathed. For the years to come, children (from infants to young adults) will have to deal with economic upheaval and trauma as the result. Whether they are living in homes with now-unemployed parents or lack the proper resources or have been quarantined or face another unique issue, children growing up with this pandemic will likely experience lasting effects, however small and subtle. With a pandemic of this scale that escalated so rapidly and has caused so much societal disruption, negative long-term effects are probable. It’s important to keep that in mind as we move forward.
The world is in a bit of chaos. I don’t like to blow things out of proportion, but I’m very much against downplaying things, even for the sake of my own peace of mind. Denying what’s happening is no good. People are sick. People are dying. Healthcare systems around the world are not equipped to handle the rapid influx of infected individuals. Economies are not equipped to endure panic-driven actions. In an attempt to stave off the virus and limit its spread, our society has slowed considerably. Stores (the few still open) are limiting their hours and their options. Many businesses have gone dark. Police have issued citations to businesses that fail to abide by the statewide orders to cease operations. Social gatherings have taken new forms, from video chats to increased distances between individuals (my parents, for instance, met up with friends at a pavilion, where they all sat at separate tables). We are witnessing history. We are living through it.
It’s said that the sentiment “May you live in interesting times” is an ancient curse, loosely translated into English. Whether that’s true or not, we are witnessing the reality of that statement in our everyday lives. I think some of the most important things we can do now are stay connected with one another, get creative, keep records, and stay informed as much as we are mentally able to do so.
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Be sure to keep up with Erin Walker’s writings on how she’s surviving!
