It has been over a year and a half since the first case of COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China. While I wish I could say things have drastically improved, that’s not the case. The FDA has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine, with Pfizer’s two-dose regimen being recognized as safe and effective as of August 23. The Delta variant has emerged, and millions of Americans have received vaccinations—a glimmer of hope. However, hospitals are still overwhelmed, lives continue to be lost, and many families are still battling for essential safety measures. We’re striving to keep our children safe and educated, but misinformation is rampant. Conspiracy theories have taken hold, and anti-vaccine and anti-mask sentiments are loud and confrontational, creating tension with educators, business owners, and each other. It’s overwhelming. I’m filled with frustration, fatigue, and sadness.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. The stress of the pandemic is palpable. Many of us are struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy after enduring waves of uncertainty and fear. We adapted to working remotely, often taking calls from bathrooms to minimize distractions from our chaotic homes. Children transitioned to virtual learning, with my daughter logging into her second-grade class online. Meanwhile, brave first responders and essential workers risked their lives daily, often without proper protective equipment, to keep our society functioning. We complied with lockdowns and restrictions to protect our communities, yet here we still are, grappling with this relentless virus and our divided society.
Disputes with friends and family have become commonplace, and it’s draining. I’m weary of fighting not just for myself but also for my unvaccinated children—those who are still too young to be shielded from COVID-19.
There are deeper reasons for my distress. I’ve watched members of my community grapple with the virus; some have recovered, while others have not. I’ve witnessed friends being denied medical attention due to an overstressed healthcare system. A loved one is gravely ill, and there seems to be no end to their suffering.
Simple errands like grocery shopping have become sources of irritation. I grow frustrated seeing unmasked individuals meandering through the aisles, wondering if I will return home with the virus, in addition to my groceries. The news is infuriating—not for the facts themselves, but for the state of our nation. Despite the abundance of scientific knowledge and the availability of vaccines, COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and lives are still being lost. Social media amplifies this frustration, revealing how the crisis has become a politicized issue rather than a public health one.
This pandemic has deeply affected my faith in family and friendships, leading to estrangements from those I once held dear. My therapist often reminds me that while I can’t control others, I can manage my own actions and reactions. She’s right, yet I’m tired of attending virtual memorials and saying goodbye to those I care about. The weight of constant worry and grief is exhausting.
Recently, my son, along with most of my family, contracted a different strain of the virus, leading to a terrifying situation where my two-year-old almost needed hospitalization. With a high fever and distressing cough, I feared he might not survive—not due to a lack of healthcare access, but because of an overwhelmed system. No one should have to endure that kind of terror.
Ironically, things could be better. If we collectively wore masks and got vaccinated, we could return to a semblance of normalcy. The pandemic might end this year. Yet, many Americans choose to ignore scientific guidance, opting instead to listen to unreliable sources.
So, please reach out to your loved ones. Ask them how they are holding up and coping with these challenges. There’s a strong possibility that, like me, they’re struggling. Millions are feeling exhausted, burnt out, anxious, and isolated. We are not okay.
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Summary:
The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, as many individuals are grappling with fear, frustration, and isolation amid ongoing challenges. Despite advancements like vaccines, misinformation and political divides continue to hinder progress. Many are struggling with personal losses and healthcare concerns, leading to a pervasive sense of unease. Reaching out to loved ones may provide much-needed support during these difficult times.
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