if the threat is long term , feelings of depression, learned helplessness, and loss of control can become almost debilitating.
Among the intricacies of animal and human design is the will to survive—physically and mentally. That’s the way God created us. We also thrive on predictability, stability, same- ness and structure in time, routine, activity — everything! That is the basis of human functioning. If this is interrupted, the human system registers that something is wrong and we react accordingly.
Consider the following scenario: If we had lived during pre- historic times, the world was a frightening and unpredictable place—in some ways how we may feel today. Imagine that as a prehistoric person, I am out hunting one day and stumble upon a wooly mammoth. At that point I don’t call a committee meeting of my body parts to decide what to do. “Right arm, what do you think? Left ear? Knees, are you on the same page?” Hard wired into me is fight, flight, or perhaps freeze. Technically, I go into adrenal overload and body hormones amp up. At this point, thought process- es shut down.
The human being is not designed to live in this state of hyper-vigilance for extended periods of time. If the threat or crisis is short lived (like a wooly mammoth) the system re- sets fairly easily when the threat is no longer there. However, if the threat is long term (where we find ourselves now with the pandemic and resulting consequences), feelings of depression, learned helplessness, and loss of control can become almost debilitating. The software in the brain changes and we perceive what is happening as personal, unescapable, and permanent. In cases of long-term uncertainty, the human being must find a way to “reset” itself in the middle of the crisis and reestablish the feeling of “sameness” or connectedness in routine, time, and life activities. In other words, we establish a “new normal.”
When this occurs we have a sense of some “control.” One of the key sources of anxiety and situational depression is a perception of no control.
At this point in the upheaval of the last several months, most of us have made strides in this area at least to some degree, however many of us are still experiencing a feeling of loss of what was in at least some areas of our lives. There is nothing right or wrong in experiencing these feelings— we are all different and respond in different ways. Sometimes our responses are positive and productive, per- haps at other times not so much. Regardless, because the next several months are still uncertain and the long-term effects of the pandemic will continue longer than that, my intent is to suggest some simple and attainable skills for our “crisis toolbox” that perhaps will make our journey a little easier as we establish and continue to live in a “new normal.” My comments are in no way intended to be inclusive, or take the place of therapy if needed. As I often say when providing information, please “accept, reject, or modify.” Also please feel free to email me* with observations or suggestions because part of my purpose is to create a sense of community and sameness. As part of a community of faith and the larger community of mankind, we really are “all in this together”!
Resources
Lynn welcomes your comments or questions at marmatsem@gmail.com.
Shauna H. Springer Ph.D., The Psychological Impact of COVID-19
Scriptures: Psalm 88, Isaiah 40:27-31, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10. Matthew 26:38
Food for Thought: Recalling past successes in crisis is important motivation for future growth. Take a few moments to reflect on the past year and identify positive steps you have already taken to “reset” during the past year.