March 23rd 2021. A whole year. A whole year has passed since the first Lockdown was put in place. For many of us, I think, if we are truly honest, never thought that Covid-19 would ever arrive at our shores. Many of us possibly thought that it was a problem on the other side of the world, far away from us and our homes, surely it can’t be something for us to worry about? But it was and it is.
As a counsellor I spend my days talking with people and over the last year, I have had the privilege of talking with many people, who have entrusted me with their stories and experiences. As we have travelled our collective Covid-19 journey, some have shared with me, their own thoughts and feelings about the virus, how it started, how it’s spread so quickly, why has it been so prolific and such a successful virus? These thoughts have now morphed in to concerns and thoughts about the vaccine. My role is not to have any judgement but to hold a space, where someone can feel safe to express themselves freely.
The words “Life is a rollercoaster”, have never been so true! As a population we have experienced the whole gambit of emotions. Everything from sadness, bereavement, loss to anger, frustration, confusion to relief, peace, celebration and happy anticipation. I have certainly experienced my fair share!
I think that it’s fair to say that the last year has effected us all in one way or another. But to some it may be a surprise that others feel they have emotionally benefitted from living with Covid-19 restrictions.
Really?? Yes really. One can be forgiven for thinking this to be quite an incredulous thought! But, for some, having a government decreed lockdown has given them very valid reasons for saying No, sorry, I can’t, Covid restrictions. The need to think of a polite way of saying No Thank you, has been taken away. An alleviation of social responsibility. Bliss. A quieter, less hectic lifestyle has been welcomed and has become socially acceptable. The pressure to join in and participate isn’t there. Wonderful.
I have had clients who have felt so relieved at being able to have a “social disconnect”, they have decided to pause their counselling sessions. It’s been the right decision for them, and that’s OK. I feel that it’s important not to align or forget those who feel this way, it’s important to remember that not every one is excited to return to “normal life”. I’ve used speech marks because there is the age old question of what is normal!?!?
For others a need of social re-connection has become palpable, an emotional need which has developed a life of it’s own. An emotional need demanding to be recognised and soothed. An emotional need which has become so great, that we feel it as a physical pain. Lifting of Covid restrictions for this person will be equally challenging, as for the person who has enjoyed lockdown albeit in very different ways.
The answer? Like with so many things in life, go at your own pace bit by bit, step by step. And that’s OK.