Dear Editor,
At the time of writing this piece, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana had risen to sixty-three. All frustrations are understandable. This country, which seemingly exists in its own bubble (politically, at the very least) from the rest of the world, is now seeing a modern plague spread like wildfire. I do not want to speculate how many cases will be seen by May, or think about it.
These are strange times for all of us. Human beings are, by default, socially interactive. We crave the outside world. Moving around with loved ones to indulge in the latest cuisines or films are normalcies for us. Now we are being told to stay home for our lives.
Self-isolating is no joke. We must all do it. By doing that and taking the necessary hygienic precautions, we will cause the curve to flatten. However, isolation has its downside. The sheer thought of not knowing when we will leave our yard space can take its toll. Some of us are indoors people, and can take isolation calmly.
Isolation can be damaging to one’s mental health. So many of us miss the warmth of a friend’s embrace or a sheer high five. Technology can suffice to an extent. Yes, we can simply text or dial a companion residing miles away, but the lack of physical contact is a necessity that is missing.
Due to sleeping schedules being mixed up now, everyone is prevented from being able to comfort and provide the love necessary to those in need right at the moments when they most require it. That alone can spring up trust issues and other toxic fallacies.
Countless individuals are not accustomed to solitude. This is a new experience for them. Hence, having a buddy you can rely on for jokes or uplifting words is a delight. But does this mean we have to be glued to our phones? It can be immensely straining on someone to depend on another person’s response via text. The buddy on the other end could be caught up with their own tasks (such as chores and studies). Now, the other person won’t know that, until they get the desired response hours, or even days, later. While no malice was intended, the other person really desired that connection, and can have their mental health spiral further. Imagine that, all because of a lack of social contact.
During this period of isolation, we are left alone with our thoughts, and this can pave the way for some much-needed introspection which could not have been accomplished before the virus. However, being left alone with our thoughts can cause all the negative ones to resurface: all the insecurities, suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges.
I urge all my comrades to try and “take it easy”. I know it’s easier said than done, having gone through my own mental health issues in the past. Compiling a list of movies you haven’t watched is a great start to distract your mind from the demons.
Any small thing that can feed positivity to our mental health should be pounced upon. Perhaps you can try to prepare a dish you’ve always wanted to make. It’s hard right now, I know it really is; but in times like this, it is essential to remember that as the sun sets, the moon rises.
We are all going through our own battles during this time, but we must try to stay strong. We will all brave this dreadful storm, no matter how dire the circumstances. Though we may not realize it, we will soon approach that blinding light at the end of the dark tunnel. When we come out, we will not only be accomplished warriors, but we will value our relationships more. We will appreciate every beating minute of life as it comes, and soak it in to warm our souls. It will be a much- deserved reward, and hence we must look forward to it.
The late Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, “You Are Not Alone”, contained the following lines which I feel are truly applicable to these trying times:
“I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay
But you are not alone
I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
But you are not alone”
Further, I am calling on all Guyanese people to continue being this united front standing against this horrific pandemic. We must continue to fight this battle; and soon enough, when this is all over, we will emerge and soar happily like the beautiful butterflies we were meant to be.
