The Years That Were: 2020-2021 and Mental Health

With whatever fight we had left in us we made it over into 2022. It’s nothing else but the grace of God that has kept us. For all that 2020 was, nothing or no one else could have kept us the way He did.

I don’t need to get into a prolonged review of the annus horribilis. We all experience the collective shock to our system at the rapid turn of events at the beginning of the year and many of us struggled throughout the rest of the year at each subsequent blow.

Thrive or Survive

For many of us, the onset of this global pandemic threw our lives off balance and what was once predictable became uncertain and risky. Many people lost their jobs or had to make do with fewer resources. Others had to take extra precautions concerning their health as the virus posed a greater risk for them.

On the other hand, a few people were able to bounce back from the initial shock and work around the inconveniences to achieve most of the goals they set for themselves. While the majority either conceded to the times or struggled to make things work, I’ve seen a lot of people achieve great things despite the unique challenges presented. Innovation was at its peak and this year proved that the tenacity of man can be unmatched, given the ‘right’ circumstances.

The Mental Health Issue

The global shift affected more than our physical health, economy and society. It affected our mental health in a way many have never experienced before. The lockdowns, social restrictions, bodily restrictions and the ever-mounting number of deaths were overwhelming and daunting at best. At its worst, it was a major source of panic and dismay.

According to the 2020 mental health statistics by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was an increase in the number of mental health issues by June of 2020. Many adults reported a considerable increase in symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression. Others reported they were experiencing symptoms of trauma and stress-related disorders as a result of the virus outbreak, A few people admitted to contemplating suicide while others reported developing a dependence or increased use of drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress.

Toxic Positivity vs Reality

If you are someone who has always struggled with your mental health, things may have gotten more difficult. Or perhaps you never really had mental health issues before; chances are the shift brought to the fore struggles that you weren’t necessarily equipped to deal with.

Whatever the case, there was a collective understanding that because of what was happening, things wouldn’t be business as usual. People needed time to adjust, regroup and figure out how to handle the onslaught of traumatic events. At least, there should have been a collective understanding.

Even in the heights of the pandemic – and the racial tensions, multiple shocking deaths, looming war and scandals – many were still pushing the “this is your year” or “this is a winning year!” narrative. This is not to say that it wasn’t a ‘winning’ year in some aspects. However, in many spaces there seemed to have been a push to maintain a certain level of positivity that ignored the reality of what was taking place.

Not being okay was a no-no, stepping back from some responsibilities seemed synonymous with giving up and acknowledging the mental health struggle was ok but only to a certain point. The push to do business as usual was overwhelming for many who were in spaces that demanded that.

While we definitely need to hold on to hope, ignorance of our current reality did more harm than good. Pushing a ‘happy all the time’ stance is exhausting under normal circumstances so imagine now. Trying to maintain that attitude 24/7 is mentally exhausting. Now, in this season and with all it brings, the level of mental exhaustion has become more consuming. So, where do we go from here?

The Way Forward

I am not going to pretend to have any quick fix for the mental health issues 2020 and 2021 brought. There really isn’t a one size fits all solution as we all experienced the weight of the pandemic trauma differently. However, there are a few things that can help us to deal with the new normal. For one, we need to acknowledge what we are feeling. It’s ok to not be ok; recognizing that is not synonymous with wallowing. By acknowledging what we are feeling, we can address it properly. In addressing it, we will be able to receive the help we need.

Another important thing we need to do is protect our peace of mind. Our lives were thrown off course in a major way and our routines were shifted. Having gone through the early stages of the pandemic et al, we should have some clarity on what adds to personal discomfort or disruption. Don’t be afraid to say no, take a break or change things up to help you cope. Whatever you can do to help navigate the new normal, do it.

Lastly, and most importantly, get help. If needs be, seek professional help. I believe this generation has abandoned – for the most part – the thought that seeing a therapist means that you’re crazy. I’ve seen so many persons adopt the habit of seeing a therapist even before they experience mental health issues. Others have recognized that there is no shame in seeking help and even share openly their experiences.

Getting professional help is so important. Consider it a part of your overall health and wellbeing – because it is. At the end of the day, it’s your mind and body; you must do all you can to take care of it.

As we continue in this new year, I pray that you remain mentally well and stable. Whatever may come at us, I pray you will receive the grace to pull through.