When the pandemic began and everyone was in lockdown, it was predicted that there would be a baby boom and also an increase in the number of divorces. Everyone made a joke of this, but there are reports that one fifth of adults reported relationship breakdowns during the pandemic.
For the first time, couples and families were made to be with each other 24/7 for an indefinite period. It soon became a hot box with no outside world to distract or destress with. Those in quarantine had to face their demons and fears alone. Further, the fear of a new, unknown virus created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia.
However, the toll was most prominent for relationships with other relatives (not parents or children) outside of the household. This aligns with many anecdotal accounts of those exasperated with relatives and friends or co-workers who hold anti-vaccine or anti-mask views, but could also be due to a lack of in-person contact with travel and physical distancing restrictions in place for a large portion of time. Singles had to rely on dating apps just to meet someone new and have virtual dates.
But man is a social animal. We need interaction with others for our mental and emotional stimulation. And for the first time, that became a challenge. Video calls were poor replacements for time spent with each other.
While some weathered this shift in relating very well and came out with stronger bonds with a partner, parent or even a friend, there were some who managed to cope with the changing times sheerly on automation.
Slowly over a period of time, some people become intolerant, anxiety driven or depressed. With no one to share their daily anxieties with.
This high-pressure situation of quarantine, along with the financial stress brought about by a Covid-19 burdened economy, lead to stress and fear in many people without them even realising it.
It is in these scenarios that outside help is needed. Just talking to a counsellor, psychologist or a therapist can be helpful. It is imperative that we Talk and not try to cope with it all on our own. This is a new normal that we all are trying to understand and arrive at, let’s make it a healthy place to be in.
Just reach out, if you feel you need to just talk.