Even Non-Essential Citizens Need Self-Care

Gov. Northam forcing certain non-essential businesses in Virginia to close

Read the article here

It is easy to get caught up in the Corona Virus Pandemic.

The uncertainty it is causing has jolted the financial markets, caused people to horde toilet paper and Ramen Noodles and put most people on edge.

Everyone is learning two new words, “social distancing.”

And our ability to move about is being curtailed in the interest of public safety. These measures have the potential to help, but not everyone feels they apply to them.

Maryland’s Governor had to issue an Executive order to keep people from congregating at the beaches and boardwalks. Washington DC’s Mayor closed subway stops near the Tidal Basin because so many people were flocking to the Cherry Blossoms. She has now asked local police to help Park Rangers maintain the area.

Our Governor is forcing certain non-essential businesses to close.

Non-essential? I am sure that is not what the owner said when they decided to open their, barbershop, bowling alley, movie theater. But as this virus unfolds, gathering in any area carries a certain risk. And getting the public to see that “social distancing” is not just about everyone else has been a challenge.

If you are deemed non-essential, how does that make you feel?

I know that sounds like a line from a Psychiatrist session, but non-essential implies less value. And we are all valuable. We are all essential in our own ways. We are essential to our immediate family, to our friends, to our workplace and our community. The implications of anyone being non-essential seem counter-productive right now.

So regardless of the official definition, always be essential.

READ MORE: Self-care can be hard work

And practice self-care daily. Be kind to yourself, a little more forgiving of others, and if possible, keep your sense of humor. Working for an “Essential” service, I am seeing the best and the worst of people. It feels like some people are insisting they are essential in a way that is not helpful to the larger community.

This too shall pass.

We will regain our ability to “move from state to state with no papers” (thank you Hunt for Red October) and life will regain a sense of normalcy again.  In the meantime, be extra kind to yourself and others.

We all deserve the chance to survive this.

My concealed depression is written under the alias “Depression is not my boss.” I have certifications in SMART Recovery and am a Global Career Development Facilitator.

Last year, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.