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As Americans, we are suffering emotionally. We are feeling this pandemic and the complex emotions that accompany the loss of normal. We cannot go to our favorite eatery. We cannot travel. We cannot escape reality at a movie theater. We cannot get a simple haircut. We know we are suffering, but we may not know exactly why. To make matters worse, we are suffering financially without a solution to the problem. We feel helpless.
If you can relate to these feelings, it is important to understand why and what is next emotionally. We all grieve differently; however, there are stages we are likely to experience over time. There is not a clear progression from one stage to another. There is regression to previous stages. There are general guidelines for us to know what to expect going forward.
Our first response to the pandemic is shock and denial. We did not want to believe our lives are going to change. We see what is happening but never thought it would happen to us. Not here. This is America. We are insulated from the problems other countries face. We are numb and deny the reality of our loss of routine and habits.
Our next response is pain and guilt. We cannot believe this is really happening. As our shock wears off, we are suffering and in real pain. It is important that we acknowledge this pain and don’t try to hide it. Don’t try to escape it. We feel guilty because we are not better prepared. How can I let this happen to me and my family? My life feels chaotic, and I am not myself. Nothing feels normal. I keep waking up and remember this is
happening. Now we are feeling anger. I am so frustrated and it pisses me off. Who can I blame for this? This stage is fuel for the media and politicians. Somebody is at fault. I am angry because I no longer have control of the situation. I cannot fix this. In this stage, we begin to bargain. If I get through this I will never be in this situation again. I will be better prepared. We realize the illusion of control.
Once the anger subsides, we are depressed and feel lonely. We feel isolated even if there are people with us. We are recessing into our minds. We are sad about the present and reflect upon the past. We look at old vacation pictures or happy times in places we can no longer access. This is a very important stage because we realize the magnitude of our loss. Lost graduations, sporting events, marriage ceremonies, and other precious times are not going to
happen for a while. Some will be lost forever. Olympians that made this year’s team will not make next year’s team. I will never walk across the stage after finishing my time at this university. The window will be closed forever. Now we experience the upturn. As reality sets in, we start to look forward. We feel better but are not completely healed. We see a light at the end of the dark tunnel. We know the business will return, and we will soon gather together. We think of good times to come when we can gather again with loved ones. We are talking about sports and other activities that are important to us.
Let’s get back to work. In this phase, we start working through the next reality of our life. Athletes are working out and preparing for the upcoming season. Business is finding another gear. People are planning and executing. As you become more functional, your mind starts working again. You find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems. You work on practical and financial problems while reconstructing yourself and your business. You
focus on helping others get through this difficult time. Finally, you...
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