Cautiously Optimistic

Cautiously Optimistic

Many of us are experiencing Covid fatigue. After months of washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, wearing masks, avoiding social gatherings, and staying away from friends and family, we are looking forward to a round of second vaccines and a lessening of restrictions going into the summer and fall.

Raywat Deonandan, epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa says, “Come the end of spring, things should start looking good and get better every day.” Chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, states “Our efforts have got us well and truly over the peak of the third wave nationally and heading for a much better summer, if we can stay the course.”

Still, a return to normal seems hard to comprehend. Indeed, some experts say we will never return to normal. Dealing with serious infectious diseases will likely become our new normal. But looking too far into the future is futile and can be overwhelming and anxiety producing. We stay calmer when we focus on what we know to be true, our next step, and on that which is in our control. We stumble when we get too far ahead of ourselves.

Here are some facts we do know heading into summer. Both BC and Alberta have over 50% of the population vaccinated. As a result, small outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are now allowed. Up to five people from different families can gather indoors. Sports, restaurants, funerals, and weddings are opening up to small groups. Soon we will be able to travel between regions and even across provinces.

There is much to be grateful for when we focus on the present situation. We’ve come a long way. We deserve to be proud of ourselves. We’ve gotten through a difficult year and stayed the course, and continue to stay the course.

Take a moment to reflect on all you have done to keep yourself and others safe. You’ve worn masks indoors, limited your circle of contact, worked from home when you could, and put yourself in harms way when you had to in order to help others. You’ve cancelled plans, you’ve stayed home, you’ve followed the orders, and as a result, we have many successes to celebrate.

It has been hard, and the road ahead is uncertain. But staying focused on what is happening today, not what might happen tomorrow, will help us get through this.

Counsellors at Walmsley are still working and still here to help you navigate through these trying times. We see clients through video sessions when we can, and face to face when appropriate, and we follow government safety protocols. If fear and uncertainty is robbing you of the ability to enjoy the present moment, please give Walmsley EFAP a call.

Jenny DeReis, MC Psych RCC

Walmsley EFAP