‘Quarantine fatigue’ taking toll on people
Mental health expert advises people to take action to relieve worrying symptoms, including reaching out for help if needed
WATERLOO REGION — “Quarantine fatigue” is making it difficult for some people to manage the daily stress of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re really starting to see the toll on people,” said Helen Fishburn, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington.
“They’re getting tired, they’re getting increasingly frustrated and they’re worried.”
And when people start going back to work and out into the community more as restrictions lift, that will bring new fears and worries. Being stuck at home is difficult, but it feels familiar and safe.
“You have control of your environment when you’re at home,” Fishburn said.
She said people are juggling more than ever before during the pandemic. Many are working from home for the first time and schooling children as well. There’s caring for elderly parents or worrying about their health. Many have lost their jobs.
“There’s not a single person that their life hasn’t been disrupted,” Fishburn said.
Here 24/7 — the single access point to mental health, addictions and crisis services in the region headed up by the association — is getting calls from people who have never before reached out for formal support because now they’re struggling.
“We’re seeing people that are really being impacted by what we’re calling quarantine fatigue,” Fishburn said.
A recent survey by the association found Ontario residents are feeling more negative emotions than positive ones: 66 per cent negative versus 34 per cent positive. Yet the majority of people when asked how they are doing answer with “I’m fine, thanks.”
Fishburn’s advice to people who are having a tough time is to start with their informal support system first. “Start sharing and start talking.”
Turn to enjoyable activities that help relieve stress, such as walking or yoga.
“Whatever you’re using to cope, do it much more,” Fishburn said.
Resources are available for people of all ages and on a variety of topics specifically related to the pandemic at the website here4help.ca.
If symptoms start to subside, that’s good. But if someone is still not feeling like themselves and all the efforts are not helping, then it’s time to reach out.
People can turn to their family doctor, employee assistance program at work or Here 24/7 (here247.ca or 1-844-4373247).
Try on your own, but seek out help if symptoms are not quickly improving, Fishburn said. The earlier the intervention, the quicker a person will feel more comfortable and settled. Fishburn stressed: “Don’t wait.”
Roundtable discussion
A virtual roundtable is being held next week with Fishburn, community health-care leader Dr. Anne Marie Zajdlik and business philanthropist Jim Estill.
The three panellists will discuss how to move forward in the midst of COVID-19 on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Viewers will have the chance to ask questions.
Donations to join the discussion will go to COVID-19 programs at Bracelet of Hope and the Integrated Youth Services Network.