We're All Mad, Y'Know: Ideas for a Post Pandemic World
People are still in the shock and awe phase of reacting to the coronavirus, but that’s about to change. After what we’re going to see in the next couple of weeks I predict lots of anger.
It’s already there with a lot of folks, just restrained by the self-isolation. Exasperation is going to be replaced with rage.
Today’s column is about dealing with this rage in a constructive manner as we move through this process.
Those who aren’t locked in and locked down are feeling overwhelmed by fear, grief and uncertainty. Folks in self-quarantine are realizing the limitations of steaming tv binges and the emptiness of being comfortably numb. Some are just shutting down emotionally, presenting themselves as just being bored.
Mental health helplines and suicide prevention organizations are being swamped by people whose aggravation has turned inward...which, it just so happens, is what Sigmund Freud defined as a basis for depression.
After a long period of this observation being called overly simplistic, research into the causes of mental illness has found that anger is indeed a major component of depression, with this limitation: everybody’s struggle is different.
Including mine.
I’m making this statement early on based on my own decades of experience. Treatment that works for me may not work for others. Our brain chemistry, our experiences, and our family histories all have a role to place in the state of our mental health.
Now, let’s talk about some of the most recent bad stuff, in addition to people losing their jobs, localities cutting services as their budgets collapse, and living in isolation.
Populations in western countries are facing (or about to) trauma in ways guaranteed to destabilize and worsen their outlook on life. Basic questions involving personal security, having a roof over one’s head, being able to care for loved ones, and dealing with unrequited grief are looming over folks who thought civilization was past that stage.
Meanwhile, the people in charge of this country are upset at this bump in the road to destroying what’s left of the New Deal and the challenges coronavirus is creating to the process of looting our national wealth.
We’re the ones who should really be upset.
Even the so-called CARE Act response to the pandemic has a loophole. The so-called $1200 payment to Americans is currently structured as an advance refund on next year’s tax return. Whether or not the government actually tries to claim that money come tax time in 2021 is an unanswered question.
Fear not, another “Rescue Package’ is percolating in DC. Two items known to be on the list of must haves: a payroll tax cut and protecting companies that expose their employees to the coronavirus from lawsuits. Try paying your rent in June with that.
And, if you have heard already, the administration is helping its friends profit from this chaos. Medical supplies are being seized on government order and then turned over to private companies for distribution.
A German government official has accused the United States of “modern piracy” after facemasks intended for police were confiscated in transit through Thailand.
The mismanagement of the current crisis on the federal level is not the only place where malfeasance is being sanctioned by the administration. We’re lucky that other countries and states (electorally important Red states are getting priority) have complained.
Guess who’s going to get fired this week?
https://twitter.com/MorningEdition/status/1247200840898707459?s=20
At this moment, there are no inspectors general for:
CIA
Defense
Health and Human Services
Treasury
Transportation
Education
Import-Export Bank
….And Trump just fired the intelligence community IG.
Loose cannons in the military who murder civilians are being exaulted as heros. A Navy captain who tried to save his crew from the pandemic was relieved of his command, fired, unfired, and is now quarantined with COVID-19.
This is some legit crazy sh*t.
https://twitter.com/LOLGOP/status/1247017603228471303?s=20
The president of the United States views the current pandemic as a ratings opportunity and is using the daily briefings at three White House to settle the pettiest of political scores, along with suggesting people take a potentially dangerous medication (major side effects include paranoia, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, suppression of blood counts, and severe cardiac arrhythmia) as a prophylactic.
https://twitter.com/mjfree/status/1246962674526797824?s=20
Enough with the bad news, already.
Once we get through the shock and awe/denial phase of the coronavirus crisis, it’s understandable that people are going to be mad.
Assorted right wing extremists, some jihadists, and a few nihilists to the left of anarchists (along with the foreign governments seeking to exploit the situation) are already planning to use this anger to validate accelerationist, siege, and Great Replacement theories during the COVID-19 pandemic to motivate individuals to take action against the New World Order, Agenda 21, George Soros, the Chinese government and/or the Deep State.
Let’s not give those folks any oxygen, please. The “establishment” isn’t going to collapse, political parties aren’t going to magically implode, and capitalism isn’t over. Just say “hell, no“ to advocacy whose end game is wanton destruction.
Life will go on. People gotta eat. The trash needs to be picked up.
Anger can be a productive emotion. What if, for instance, millions of people leaned out their doors each night and made some noise in support of or opposition to a cause?
In New York and elsewhere, people cheer healthcare workers every day at 5pm. (I think it started in Italy)
Since getting a bajillion people in protest marches isn’t feasible, how about a cacophonous banging of pots and pans nationally at a certain time to send El Trumpo a message?
Smaller protests of car caravans are already being used around the country to call attention to easily identifiable targets.
And conventional electoral politics will be returning, albeit in more digital formats, as the year progresses. The time has got to be right for something approaching a post-corona virus Recovery Corps to be advocated by progressives.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (as always) has a few plans that ought to be considered.
This fall’s general election will be different, that’s for sure. And lots of folks are brainstorming ways to get involved. The situation is too fluid currently for me to suggest specifics, so I’ll say stay tuned.
And keep your powder dry, as they used to say back in the colonial era.
Let’s take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Although these Coping Tips are lifted from the Suicide Prevention Lifeline page, they are generally applicable to the kinds of angst we’re all feeling these days. (The part about staying active, i.e., exercise, is my secret sauce)
People that are feeling emotional distress related to COVID-19 can take actions to help support themselves and others.
Set a limit on media consumption, including social media, local or national news.
Stay active. Make sure to get enough sleep and rest. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol. Eat healthy foods when possible.
Connect with loved ones and others who may be experiencing stress about the outbreak. Talk about your feelings and enjoy conversation unrelated to the outbreak.
Get accurate health information from reputable sources. For health information about COVID-19, please contact the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov, your local healthcare provider, or your local 211 and 311 services, if available.
The national Disaster Distress Helplineis available to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a caring counselor.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or your local crisis line.
For coping tools and resources, visit the Lifeline website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org or Vibrant Emotional Health’s Safe Space at vibrant.org/safespace.
Helpful Resources
Reliable sources of information about COVID-19:
Other Helpful Resources to Support Your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing:
CDC’s “Manage Anxiety and Stress”page provides what stress can look like and tips to manage that stress.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a guide for parents and caregivers to help families cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information on their “Mental Health and COVID-19” page.
ThriveNYC’s “Mental Health Support New Yorkers Can Access While Staying Home” page lists free mental health services for New Yorkers, regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status.
SAMHSA’s “Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks” page outlines the signs of stress and steps you can take to alleviate stress.
SAMHSA’s “Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health” page provides tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak.
SAMHSA’s “Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks” page provides parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for helping children manage their stress during an infectious disease outbreak.
Vibrant Emotional Health’s Safe Space provides interactive coping tools to help users when they need it.
If you feel you or someone you know may need emotional support, please visit the Lifeline’s website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org for helpful resources or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone in the U.S. You do not have to be suicidal to call the Lifeline.
The NYS Office of Mental Health’s “Managing Anxiety in an Anxiety Provoking Situation” resource page provides tips for all on how to manage anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you’re worried that someone in your life may be suicidal, you can use the Lifeline’s 5 steps to help someone that may be in suicidal crisis.
San Diego County Coronavirus Help Page.
San Diego City Coronavirus Page.
On the lighter side...
https://twitter.com/YYCRed/status/1246658345026478080?s=20
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