By Vanessa Cort
“WHEN a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You just change the batteries…when a person messes up or find themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not! You help them change their batteries. Some need AA…attention and affection; some need AAA…attention, affection and acceptance; some need C…compassion; some need D…direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine… simply sit with them quietly and share your light.”
These words, sent by a relative of mine recently, resonated deeply with me, as they obviously did with him, particularly at this time.
Just as we thought there was a ‘light at the end of tunnel’, with the development of vaccines to combat COVID-19, along came the Delta Variant – much more infectious and far more deadly.
The rate of infection and the death toll have surged both within this country and globally, while the pro and anti-vaccine controversy has gained momentum.
Curfews and lockdowns which were lifted are now being re-instituted as health services have been inundated with new Delta Variant cases.
Amidst all of this furore, many even dispute the wearing of protective face masks arguing that they do not prevent persons from contracting the virus.
However, as someone pointed out, seat belts do not guarantee that the driver and front seat passenger will not be injured during an accident, yet they have been accepted. Furthermore, they are now mandatory and cars even offer back seat belts too.
The parallel between seat belts and face masks is clear. While masks may not prevent an individual from contracting the virus, they certainly reduce the possibility of infection.
But all of the resistance to measures being put in place to guard against the virus and prevent its spread has been summed up by psychotherapist, Dr Shane Tull, in one term – “Pandemic fatigue”.
Dr Tull explained, “People have been told to do things but don’t feel they are working.” In addition, the prolonged nature of this virus has led to the kind of mental exhaustion which has caused people to react irrationally simply because they are ‘fed up’.
What is clear, however, is that while pro and anti-vaccine factions argue people are becoming infected and dying in unprecedented numbers. Hospital emergency rooms are overwhelmed and health professionals, on the front line of this new wave, are buckling under the weight of what they see as their responsibility to offer beds and treatment to patients.
Children are returning to school and parents worry about their safety and many are still undecided on whether to even send them. And this is really the crux of the matter – the need for everyone to be safe and feel safe.
Exactly how this can best be achieved is the question we have to consider at all levels of society. This is not just a matter of our individual safety, but that of the people around us, and, most importantly, our children.
So, instead of abating the stress is mounting, as we all face decisions about the way forward and the looming spectre of additional variants, which the experts say are inevitable as long as the virus continues to spread.
Everyone is affected, but how we cope will vary greatly from person to person and some of us will definitely need the help and support of those who are stronger and can share their ‘light’.
