A Few Suggestions for Workers During the Global Pandemic

Rick Singleton, Ph.D., D. Min., M. Div., B.A., C. T., Associate of Safety Services

The Covid 19 virus has disrupted routines and normal around the world. Many are without jobs, many are working at home, and many are expected to work their jobs as before, with even more demand and the added concerns for their own safety and the risk to loved ones and others.

Some workers and employers express concern about the stress on workers in these different times. It can be helpful to know that stress is not always bad. There are basically two types: Eu-stress (good stress) and Dis-stress (bad stress). Eu-stress motivates us to pursue goals, get things done and have fulfillment. Without some eu-stress, life would be boring and we would be deprived of much joy and happiness. Distress, on the other hand, is the experience when the demands are beyond our resources, including time, skills, money, support, etc.

The key is finding the balance … where we have enough demand to keep us challenged and fulfilled without feeling overwhelmed. Most of us have the capacity to endure some distress for shorter periods. If we force ourselves to be in a state of distress for extended periods … then nature brings about the needed break period. If we do not find the way to relax and recreate … it comes through the backdoor in the form of exhaustion, burnout, breakdown, and compassion fatigue.

We can imagine ourselves as having a built in stress meter, similar to a thermostat with a comfort zone. We can find and maintain the range that gives us enough … but not too much. Like the temperature in our homes, the external environment is huge factor. We need to adjust to what is going on in the world around us. We also need to notice our own symptoms of distress ... such as worry, anger, tiredness … most of us know our own symptoms.

The vast majority if people cope with challenging situations using two main resources: our own coping skills, and the support around us. Our coping skills are like our emotional muscles … they are as strong as we have needed them to be. If we have had previous problems we have likely found the things that work for us, and like our physical muscles, we can work them out a bit and strengthen up for the present challenge. But, no matter how strong we are, there can always come along something that goes way beyond our capacities … that’s when we have reach out for others to give us a lift.

Here are two good resources. The Newfoundland and Labrador Government website provides information on how to connect with professionals and support agencies. Have a look … even if you do not need support now, it is good to know what is available. https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/mental-health-and-wellness/

The Psychology Today website has excellent resources presented in down to earth language. The link provided will give you information on radical acceptance. "Radical acceptance" means completely and totally accepting something from the depths of your soul, with your heart and your mind. You stop fighting reality. When you stop fighting, you suffer less. It is an excellent boost to our coping skills. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/pieces-mind/201207/radical-acceptance