There are ways to beat the blues
Q I woke up today with a heavy soul. I felt so blue like I have been wounded inside, and so low. I started crying and didn't even know why.
Yet I do know that my immediate family is fortunate. We are all healthy and isolating as directed, and we are fine with each other's company. I know I should be grateful and strong. But I just felt leaden. Do you have any suggestions?
Monday Morning Blues
A Start with light. Turn on the one where you're sitting/working first thing, when you're blue. If the sun's shining, get outside but stay distanced. Repeat the above as much as you can.
Meanwhile, your “blues” may also be about SAD (seasonal affective disorder), not only the pandemic.
People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there's less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring.
Meanwhile, the daily reports of COVID-19 infection cases and deaths are naturally worrisome, along with the restrictions on daily life of a lockdown, and the time it'll take until enough people have been vaccinated.
There are also the demands of home-schooling of any children you may have and only virtual contact with friends and extended family, which affects everyone in your home bubble.
Yet, being “fortunate” calls on you to not only continue doing everything which you and your loved ones are getting right, but to boost your spirits with gratitude that you have jobs, can afford food and feel healthy.
Use music, exercise, family games and laughter as your mood lifting tools. If more is needed, talk online to a therapist.
Q What about those of us whose lives have been turned upside down?
How can we make new contacts with like-minded people in this big city? We need companionship for walking and communication. But how do we find these when everyone's bundled up, hidden behind a mask, yet so many of us lonely? On My Own
A Whatever's been “turned upside down,” whether due to the pandemic, personal circumstances or both, needs reassessing by you. If you're distanced from your friends, be the initiator with them. Renew your contact online. Ignore any barriers that may exist from the past and just show your interest in how they're doing. Everyone wants to be cared about. Use your own interests to meet new people online through chat groups. Join webinars on topics that you care about. If you have time, there are countless groups and causes eager for more participation which can be done virtually.
Read Ellie Monday to Saturday Send questions to ellie@thestar.ca Follow @ellieadvice