Back in January, I was excited to start a new decade. There’s always a sense of optimism and renewal that comes with a fresh slate and 2020 felt promising. Both personal and professional endeavours were hitting new highs and I wore the confidence and wisdom it brought as an armour. It felt like I was entering a stage in life where peace of mind wouldn’t be so fleeting.
Oh, how innocent we all were.
As I write this, Canada is in the thick of a second wave of Covid-19 that is proving far worse than the first. Tensions are running high as governments try to balance the pleas of health care experts with the needs of business owners (currently leaning to the opinion that loss of life is acceptable to maintain the economy) and despite ALL evidence to the contrary, anti-maskers & other self-centred idiots continue to confuse personal freedom with the responsibility of living as part of a society.
Watching the numbers roll in from my home province every day causes an audible gasp (and occasional tears) as a wave of anxiety washes over me. There is my elderly, widowed mother that causes worry but also several other family members that work on the frontlines in health care. Being distanced from the people I love during such a tumultuous time is not easy (and I have it relatively easy; there are those in situations much worse than mine whose mental health and wellbeing I think of often).
I currently feel exhausted, depressed … and angry. I hope to once again tap into a well of inspiration for my art and writings, but in the meantime will be taking a break until 2021.
Until then, I’ve posted a list of resources that may be of help to you or your loved ones as we ride this rollercoaster of uncertainty for the near future.
Much blessings. Much love. Let’s all get through this together.
Crisis Services Canada
Phone: 1-833-456-4566
Text: 45645
Canadian Mental Health Association
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
Kids Help Phone
Phone: 1-800-668-6868