It’s been over a year and a half since COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China. While I wish I could say things have improved significantly, I can’t. Yes, the FDA has approved a COVID-19 vaccine, with Pfizer’s two-dose regimen now recognized as a safe treatment option. The Delta variant has surged, and millions of Americans have been vaccinated, which is a hopeful sign. However, ICUs continue to fill, and people are still dying — millions have already lost their lives. Parents are still battling for essential safety measures as we strive to keep our children educated and safe. The challenge of misinformation looms large, with conspiracy theories rampant. Anti-vaccine and anti-mask sentiments dominate, resulting in conflicts between individuals and essential workers, which is unacceptable. We are deep into this pandemic, and honestly, I’m frustrated, drained, and not in a good place.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. The stress and fatigue of the pandemic are palpable. Many of us are struggling to maintain our composure after enduring multiple waves of this crisis. We’ve adapted to working from home, often taking meetings in makeshift spaces to minimize distractions. Children have shifted to remote learning, with my daughter among many who experienced virtual school for the first time in second grade. Our frontline heroes — healthcare workers, teachers, and essential staff — have risked their lives daily to keep society functioning. They frequently faced inadequate protective gear and poor working conditions. We’ve navigated repeated lockdowns, especially here in New York, because it was the responsible thing to do for the safety of our communities. Yet, here we are, still grappling with this virus and the divisions within our society.
Daily debates with friends and family have become a source of frustration. It’s exhausting to fight not only for my own well-being but also for the health of my unvaccinated children, those who are too young to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
There are numerous reasons why I feel unwell. I’ve witnessed community members fall ill; some have recovered, while others have not. I’ve seen friends unable to access the medical care they need due to an overwhelmed healthcare system. Someone dear to me is gravely ill, and there appears to be no hope in sight.
Even trips to the grocery store drain my patience. Seeing unmasked individuals shopping angers me, and I often worry about bringing the virus home with my groceries. The news is frustrating, not because of the facts but due to the state of our nation. Despite the scientific advancements and vaccines, COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and lives are still lost. Social media highlights this disparity, as the issue has become politicized rather than treated as a humanitarian crisis.
This pandemic has also shaken my faith in family ties. Some friendships have suffered, and though some may suggest I take a step back and breathe, my therapist reminds me that while I can’t control others, I can control my own actions. But I’m weary of attending virtual funerals, saying goodbye through screens, and living in constant worry and sadness.
Recently, my son and a significant portion of my family contracted a different strain of coronavirus, which nearly landed my two-year-old in the hospital. With a fever reaching 105 degrees and a distressing cough, I feared he might perish alone in his crib, not due to a lack of healthcare access, but because our systems are overwhelmed. No one should face such fear, period.
Ironically, things could be better. If everyone wore masks to protect themselves and others, we could return to a semblance of normalcy. Vaccination would also ease the burden. The “war on COVID” could potentially reach an end this year. Yet, many Americans ignore science in favor of dubious sources, opting for misguided information over expert advice.
So please, reach out to your loved ones. Check in with your friends. Ask how they are feeling and coping because chances are, like me, they are not okay. Millions of us are feeling tired, burnt out, anxious, and isolated.
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Summary:
The ongoing struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many feeling exhausted, frustrated, and unsafe. Despite the availability of vaccines, misinformation, fear, and political divides continue to impact society. The stress of safeguarding families and navigating an overwhelmed healthcare system has taken a toll on mental health. It’s crucial to check in on loved ones as many are silently battling their own challenges.
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