It hurts when I try to talk about my struggles, and some people think I have no right because I might be one of the privileged ones. Alhamdulillah, I still have my job and am able to work from the comfort of my home, surrounded by my loved ones. I am truly grateful. Alhamdulillah, I haven’t lost any close family members or friends to COVID-19.
Sympathy and Solidarity
My sincere prayers go out to the souls who have passed away fighting this battle. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I can’t imagine being in your shoes. Nobody is trained to endure this kind of trauma. We are at war.
I want you to know that I understand many people are worse off than me, and I am genuinely grateful for my situation. However, that doesn’t mean my traumas and downtimes over these past 1.5 years are invalid. So, I am coping.
- With the News: The constant barrage of news is overwhelming. Spare me the energy to talk about my government.
- Staying Home: Navigating the challenges of staying home, including ‘homeschooling’ my kids.
- Worrying About My Parents: Being away from my parents for too long and constantly thinking about their safety is a significant source of anxiety. Their resistance to vaccines, fuelled by anti-vaccine misinformation, worries me deeply. I am grateful they are still alive and cherish every moment I see them via video calls, knowing it could be the last time. It’s not the right mindset, but it reflects the extent of the trauma caused by this virus.
Work and Exhaustion
Regarding work, I don’t want to complain because the current situation seems to offer only three options:
- Jobless, Stuck, and Suicidal: Many people are facing joblessness and severe mental health struggles.
- Exhausted Frontliners: Everyone knows how dire the situation in hospitals is.
- Burnout: Referring to people like me who are expected to be agile in the ever-demanding work environment.
Resilience and Hope
If some people are having it easy, everyone wishes they wouldn’t share their stories. This is a time to be rough and strong. Yes, I am coping.
Yes, I may sound indifferent, but I do, too, need hope.
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