Dear Therapist:

There has been a lot of talk on the risk/reward of opening the economy vs continuing the quarantine. There has been a lot of mention of the significant mental health issues that could arise both directly from extended quarantine as well as from the economic impact that maintaining the shutdown has on people’s finances. While you may not be public health experts or epidemiologists, I was hoping you could share your educated opinions on the mental health aspects. More importantly, (and much more relevant since the lock-down isn't in our hands) what can we both as individuals and a community do to mitigate these issues? Thank you.

Response:

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I am certainly no public health expert. Nor am I an epidemiologist. In fact, it doesn’t seem that the public health experts and epidemiologists have anything resembling a good handle on the course and effects of this crisis. As such, the governmental response with regard to shutdown and isolation remains uncertain. Since the course and effects of the crisis are as yet undetermined, it is difficult to guess at possible emotional effects.

I have previously written about varying responses to stress and the concern over posttraumatic stress. The duration of this crisis and its social and economic effects will undoubtedly play a role in our emotional responses. For many, there will likely be a direct proportional relationship between the duration of the crisis and their anxiety levels. Others will probably adapt to the “new normal,” allowing them to weather any ill effects in a more positive manner.

Misery loves company. For many, the sense of community and shared burden may have a calming effect. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some of us are thriving in the current environment. Some people generally do well in challenging times. I have seen indications that some people who generally don’t feel very good about themselves have improved during this crisis. Those of us who have always tended to isolate may be feeling more “normal.” Consider people with OCD who have always worn masks in public. Many of them feel embarrassed, increasing their negative self-concept. In times when everyone is wearing a mask, these feelings can be diminished. Once the crisis is over, more people may continue to wear masks. Even if not, any sense of abnormality may continue to be mitigated.

Perhaps we can take a lesson from those of us who seem to be dealing positively with the current situation. We can maximize our sense of community by connecting with our friends, and neighbors, and by joining social groups like those offered by our shuls. Commiserating with others in similar social and economic straits can help us to gain a different perspective.  Communities large and small (informal groups, block associations, community centers, shuls, and the like) can reach out both generally and in particular to those most impacted, and encourage them to participate in events.

Hopefully, we will all be able to resume our normal activities soon. The better that we can normalize these abnormal circumstances, the easier it will be for us to transition back into our old lives.

-Yehuda Lieberman, LCSW

  psychotherapist in private practice

 Brooklyn, NY   |   Far Rockaway, NY

 author of Self-Esteem: A Primer

 www.ylcsw.com / 718-258-5317

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