Could this month of January so far be any more stressful?
As we approached the end of 2020, all of us were looking toward a better year, with less stress. But these first couple of weeks of 2021 have turned out to be at least as stressful, if not more, according to a study.
The coronavirus pandemic has gotten worse, with record number of cases, a new strain, rising hospitalizations and deaths and now problems with getting the vaccine, which we had hoped would start to slow the surge, being slowed itself by problems with the distribution plans.
Meantime, more businesses are on the brink of bankruptcy, with some already out of business. And most kids still are not in classrooms and many adults still out of work.
And as the virus rages, there also is even more political rage now after the unprecedented attack carried out by Americans on the epicenter of American democracy, the U.S. Capitol.
The words of insurrection, anarchy and impeachment spatter the front page of newspapers in the U.S and around the world. Each day’s headlines seem to outdo the previous day’s headlines.
So, it’s not a surprise to see the many stories about mental health professionals talking about a surge in patients who are seeking help with dealing with the all the stress that’s causing much of the anxiety and depression they are treating.
It may be harder to do at a time of masking and social distancing, but this is a time when we need to stay in touch with each other and our family and our friends…and cling to the faith, hope and love for which we were all created.
(Photo Getty Images)