Bleah

[rebeccmeister]

I had one of those reminders yesterday from someone about how, in a lot of ways, the pandemic has led to an exaggerated emotional rollercoaster. It makes my neck sore. Yesterday was an Anxiety day for me, which was REALLY not fun. One of the most frustrating things about Anxiety days is that I often get anxious because I want to be Doing things, but anxiety leads to decision paralysis and then I don't manage to get so much done after all. A common occurrence, I am sure.

By the way - I think it's important to note that I definitely wouldn't classify my experiences with anxiety as a full-blown disorder; while being anxious does interfere to some extent with what I would like to be doing, for the most part I am fortunate enough to be able to continue functioning.

But on an anxious day, I can also see that I'm standing on the edge of a cliff that many other people fall off of, not by choice, and boy am I sympathetic about how hard and frustrating that must be. I certainly see that in many of my students, and there's no easy fix for any of us. We have to give ourselves and each other time and perspective and patience so that ultimately we can keep going somehow.

Related: https://humanparts.medium.com/laziness-does-not-exist-3af27e312d01

Comments

[bluepapercup]

Big hugs. It's just tough right now and functioning continuously is enough of an accomplishment for anyone, really.

Have you read Dr. Price's book that grew out of the Medium piece? It's really good and though-provoking. I'd be happy to lend it to you.

[rebeccmeister]

Thank you. <3

I haven't read his book, intriguing! I *might* be up for it - I have a fairly large stack of reading at the moment, so I'm not sure when I'd get to it.

[cmcmck]

Hugs

I don't think the 'experts' fully understand that a lot of us are reaching the end of our tethers but then I suspect that a certain sort of the species doesn't altogether see the rest of us as fully human.

[rebeccmeister]

Thank you.

Unfortunately I also suspect the same thing, which is terribly sad. It can be very wearing to try keeping on when things still really aren't "normal" (and may never be again, anyway).

[moodyduck]

My employer sent out several messages at the end of the fiscal year saying how well our institution did despite the pandemic. My immediate reaction was "YOU DIDN'T GIVE US A CHOICE DID YOU?"

[twoeleven]

Stress sloth thinks you need a hug too:

[rebeccmeister]

Oh thank you, stress sloth. I needed you.