To say that times are stressful right now is the understatement of the decade!  We are all aware of the economic impacts, the health travesties and the isolation we are all currently going through.  Unlike other major crises that have happened in our lifetimes the COVID-19 pandemic is leaving no one untouched.  It has impacted the way we live, how we view others and how we interact as a society.  The emotional impacts that we are experiencing appear to be increasing at a rapid rate.  Many are worried about the security of their employment, their family members safety, the responsibility of conducting school at home, the fear of the virus itself, all with no end date for when this nightmare will end.  The icing on the cake is that due to social distancing our support systems and are ability to decompress in healthy ways are heavily impacted...this is a recipe for emotional disaster for many.  People need people...it's a fact!  Right now many however are seeing people as a threat to their safety and it's showing.  Fear begets anger and there is a lot of talk about how people are being unkind recently.  From a psychological perspective this makes perfect sense.  Negative emotions are commonly expressed by many in the way of anger and people's frustrations are becoming blatantly obvious in our society. We can't get on social media, go to the grocery store or turn on the TV without constantly being reminded of the dark cloud hanging over our heads. So what can we do?
First, we have to remember that we are all in the same pandemic...no one is exempt from that.  Secondly, we need to realize that while we are all in the same event we are not all experiencing the same impacts.  Some have lost loved ones, some have lost jobs, some have financial means to withstand others do not, etc.  We never know the additional challenges this crisis is causing for others.  It's important to remember that we cannot visually see how hard someone is struggling, or how well or poorly they may be equipped to deal with the effects.  Next I encourage you to take care of your physical and emotional health.  You can't go to the gym, but you can go for a walk.  Don't hold your feelings in, try to journal, openly talk with a friend, seek counseling and be aware of changes in your mood and outlook on life.  In connection with self care, BE MINDFUL! Mindful of giving people physical space, mindful of your tone, your words, your facial expressions and try to be encouraging and supportive in your actions. Being mindful will not only cause less stress for others, but for yourself as well.  Going to bed with a clear conscious and knowing you were your best self every evening will improve your own emotional health! Lastly I would highly suggest giving yourself an electronic time out.  Even a short break from social media and the news will likely have positive effects on your mental and emotional health!