Is "Virus Fatigue" Real?

Is “Virus Fatigue” Real?

• ·      70% of people say they need a break from the news because COVID-related news makes them feel worse emotionally.

• ·       I’ve seen hundreds of comments on social media that look like this: 

•  “I am…..Lonely, angry, tired of being strong, of having to be a superwoman, sad, discouraged, feeling let down, afraid, and overwhelmed.”  Others said they were mad at God but afraid to admit it; they missed church, friends and loved ones.  And I’m still haunted by the cry of one of my clients, “I’m safe, but I’m not OK!”

            Whether we call these reactions quarantine fatigue (relating to our emotional state) or virus fatigue (referring to physical symptoms), I think we can safely declare that virus/quarantine fatigue is real, and it has infected a lot of us. 

            So if you come down with this bug, what are you supposed to do?  What CAN you do?

First of all, let’s strike down some myths that likely surround this contagious state.

Myth 1:  The pain will go away faster if you ignore it. 

FACT:  Trying to ignore your feelings or keep them from surfacing will only make

It worse in the long run.  For real healing, it is necessary to face this situation and actively deal with it. 

            Some of the comments from that vast number of social media followers read like this:

            “It feels good just to get the words out,”

            “When I write my feelings and my prayers down, it helps,” 

            These folks have discovered what I know as a coach and counselor:  When you acknowledge your fears – by writing them down or talking to a safe person – they lose some of their power to control you.  You see, when they just run amok in your brain, they circle and circle around and, like a Twilight Show episode, will drive you crazy with all the “ANTS – Awful Negative Thoughts.”  

ANTS - Awful Negative Thoughts

So take away that control – face those scary thoughts head on and say them out loud.

Myth 2:   It’s important to be “strong” in the face of crisis. 

FACT:  Feeling sad, frightened or lonely is a normal reaction in times like these.

Crying doesn’t mean you’re weak.  And you don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front.  Showing your true feelings can help them and you.  Think about what people have found to help in difficult times:  For example: “Sometimes it’s OK to not be OK.”  “What helps me is a good cry.”  And Paul tells us in the Bible:  “…that is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in… hardships, for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

            Myth 3. If you DON’T cry or freak out, you’re not worried at all and must be in denial. 

            FACT:  Crying is a normal response to sadness, loneliness or fear, but it’s not the only one.  Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others.  They may simply handle things differently or have other ways of expressing their feelings.  I would also add that some people get angry, and that’s OK too.  Even the Bible instructs us to “be angry, but sin not.”  So as long as you find a healthy outlet for that anger; (i.e. no yelling, screaming or hurting others for example), you’re good.  A lot of times you can work off anger by physical exercise, or use the energy generated to set boundaries or start something you’ve been afraid to face. 

Now, let’s talk about what we can do to get through this virus fatigue.

1.     Like physical, spiritual and emotional fatigue, you need rest to get over this bug. 

The “I’ve-got-to-keep-going-24/7-to-be-successful” atmosphere the world has developed over past generations has not been our friend.  “REST is not a bad word, so don’t feel guilty for resting.” 

2.     Lack of consistency or structure contributes to this bug, and the longer the lockdown lasts, the more risk there is for emotional toil. 

So the answer is – you guessed it – routines and plans. Get up every morning and get dressed, even if it’s in comfortable clothes.  But it’s better than lying around all day in your pj’s.  Put makeup on and be beautiful just for you and your family.  After all, they’re the important ones in your life, right?  Divide your day into work-time and rest-time, play-time and productive time.  You’ll feel more in charge of you, your day and this pesky virus fatigue.

3.     I started this blog by reporting that most people need a break from the news because COVID-related news makes them feel worse emotionally.  Well HELLO, yes it does!

One of the best treatments for this virus fatigue is not to feed it.

            This may take discipline on your part, but I guarantee you when you don’t start your morning with the latest news on TV, computer or newspaper, you’re off to a better start.  Follow that up by only checking social media for interesting, educational or fun facts your Facebook friends offer.  You really can skip over all those dire predictions and discouraging statistics.  Believe me, if there’s something important you need to know in the world, you’ll hear about it.  I remember when 9/11 occurred, we didn’t see it on TV or know anything about it until some friends called.  You’ll find out if you need to know it.

            You’ve heard – and you know – about other physical and spiritual remedies; I just wanted to offer you something for your mental health today.

            So take a break already – go the mountains or to the beach; get out in your backyard and watch for birds and butterflies.  Let’s beat this virus fatigue bug!

Do you hang on to known misery rather than reach out for unknown happiness?

Do You Hang On To Known Misery Rather Than Reach Out For Unknown Happiness? 

                During July, I watched “The Sons of Liberty,” historical stories about a group of men fighting in the American Colonies for freedom.  It brought to life figures like John Adams, John Hancock, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, those US founding fathers we usually see depicted as older, bewigged and solemn as they’re signing the Declaration of Independence.  

  This series, however, shows young, courageous and seemingly fearless men determined to break away from a far-away king’s rule, British corruption and “taxation without representation.”  They were called “The Sons of Liberty.”  

In the TV depiction Samuel Adams, cousin to the more well-known John Adams, is a hero who found his calling as colonial activist, motivating and inspiring others to rebel against the British.  While admiring his dashing acts of bravery, I was struck by this thought:  today, we might not be physically fighting for our freedom, but we often wage war in our minds.  We need freedom; we metaphorically cry: “give me liberty or give me death!”  We can relate to Samuel Adams and The Sons Of Liberty.

•          Like us, I imagine Samuel Adams often thought, “I can’t,” “why me?” or “this isn’t fair!” 
•         Samuel was unsuccessful as a businessman in colonial Boston.  Who among us hasn’t faced defeat in a business opportunity or lost a job?  At those times, we might mumble as perhaps Samuel did, “I tried it and it didn’t work.” 
•         Samuel experienced dissatisfaction with his life in general.  Perhaps, like us, he woke up one morning to discover he had turned into the wrong person. 
•         Samuel was driven by desperation – he was broke – when he took on the unpopular task of tax collector for the British.  Although it’s been almost 250 years since the Sons of Liberty spearheaded the cause for liberty, I think at one time or another we all find ourselves feeling desperate.  I know I have.  I remember times filled with hopelessness, anxiety and despair when I was ill and jobless or when I was facing a life without one of my legs.

However, something interesting happened as Samuel Adams reluctantly collected taxes; he began to see a clear pattern of British corruption that did not sit well with him!  That immense dissatisfaction and sense of outrage ultimately led to his playing a significant role in “The Boston Tea Party,” and “The American Revolution.” 

Almost 150 years later, Oswald Chambers penned words that Samuel Adams would undoubtedly have embraced and that we identify with today: “We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our every-day life with its trivial tasks.”  Sometimes, like Samuel Adams, we just need a purpose.

In the war of our minds, we also experience times of overwhelming situations and wonder, “what on earth are you doing, God?”  We ask, “what possible good could come from such a horrible break-up, loss of a job, or devastating illness?”  If we’re honest, we get mad at God, upset with the world and are disappointed with ourselves for getting into such a mess. 

With the advantage of hindsight, we’ll later say things like, “Oh! That’s why I got so discouraged!”  Or, “Now I see what God had in mind; it was better for me to go through that situation.”   But usually, the first insight comes as we, like Samuel, start to dislike the way things are.  From that uncomfortable place, when we’ve had enough, we’re ready to do something different. 

That’s the beginning of the battle in our minds.  We long to step out of our comfort zone and react differently or try new things. But the part of our brain which seeks familiarity; which hangs on to known misery rather than seek unknown happiness, demands comfort, not challenge. 

      The first skirmish is the decisive one.  We struggle with how it’s always been, what we’ve always done and who we’ve always thought we were.  But when the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the fear of change, we are ready to brawl. There may be more battles to face, more obstacles to conquer, but we’re on the way. 

And just as Samuel Adams and “The Sons of Liberty” brought freedom to our land, we can bring freedom to our minds.