Wash your hands! It’s such a basic act in our everyday lives. Soap, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants – basic everyday items in our cupboards. Then a world pandemic comes along – we find out that most of us have been washing our hands wrong and those basic items we have taken for granted are no longer available with a click of a button.
COVID-19/Corona Virus has changed the lives of everyone in this planet we call Earth. It has bound us as humans trying to fight for the same cause. Some have compared it to war. What is thought to have started in the city of Wuhan, China has spread across internationally. It has taken the lives of thousands thus far. In the US, it started with less than five in the State of Washington. Within two weeks it rapidly spread to all 50 states with confirmed cases reaching over 10,000 and the death toll over 500. The numbers continue to rise. Businesses and schools have closed. Certain cities are under lock down. People have been told to stay home.
As the death toll continues to rise, I can only hope people continue to keep perspective and remember that the confirmed cases and total deaths are not just numbers. Behind each number is a human life that has left us all. It is a life lost to a parent, child, family, and friend out there.
Social distancing – a word that has become a part of our everyday vocabulary that has also become a challenging practice for our very interactive society. Luckily, we are in an era where “social media” is also a part of our everyday lives. Through such platforms as Facebook, virtual meetings, and cellphone capabilities we are able to continue to stay in touch with others and keep up with the latest updates.
Homeschooling – what parents across the US have been forced to do. As caregivers scramble to find a routine, keep their children educated and entertained, maintain household and health needs, and work from home – they are also trying to maintain their own sanity with the unexpected new load of responsibilities.
With homeschooling, also comes the issue of stress. It is not easy to watch children all day long and still find time for oneself. I do hope parents remember to be patient with their kids and the people they live with. From my experience working with NYC Children’s Services, I fear that child abuse and domestic violence rates across the nation may rise. When people spend too much time together closely, stress levels may drive those that don’t know how to handle it to become violent. That said, there are also many that are taking this opportunity to become closer with those they live with. There are working parents who normally don’t get much time with their children that finally have the opportunity to spend more time with them. There are also couples who don’t see each other much that finally get quality time together.
As we are all practicing how best to wash our hands, let’s also remember to practice patience with each other. We all need to act responsibly, listen, and help in a safe manner.
For those who are stressed and need help, it is okay to ask for help. You can reach out anytime. You are important and so are your feelings.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (You don’t need to feel suicidal to call – just call if you want to talk)
- Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/ (If you don’t want to call, text!)
- Google your state or county crisis hotline
Lastly, here is a book for the little ones:
