Keep your head up
And try to listen to your heart
Be kind always no matter
Dave Matthews Band “Drunken Soldier“
We have spent the last few months hearing about COVID-19 and social distancing. For many Americans, this has been a huge upheaval in their personal and professional lives. There were over 16 million people who filed for unemployment in just 3 weeks. Many have cancelled family events including weddings and birthdays and there have even been virtual funerals held during this time. All of this was done to flatten the curve to minimize resource utilization in hospitals and to lessen the mortality from the novel coronavirus. While social distancing has worked to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, the social distancing at times feels like social isolation.
People are not visiting their family members who may be older or who are at higher risk of a bad outcome from contracting COVID 19 due to preexisting medical conditions. This has led to a sense of social isolation which is really not who we are as people. There was a meme when this started about how social distancing and limited contact was perfect for introverts. I laughed when I read it, but now, two months later, I miss in person meetings and interacting with people on a more personal level. The work of the hospital and medical group is still getting done but with virtual meetings–it is just not the same.
Even though the work has changed, at least I still get to go out and go to the hospital and office and interact with staff and patients. My wife and kids have pretty much been home for two months. While my kids get to see their grandparents, they have not gotten to hug or touch them in two months. We worry about what would happen if my parents or my in-laws got COVID-19. The pandemic has really changed how we are living.
With so many people unemployed and so many physician practices struggling due to decreased volumes, I do not take for granted how fortunate I am to work for BayCare Medical Group and how they have led the Tampa Bay area in their response to the pandemic. I am proud that BayCare has focused first on taking care of the community and patients but also taking care of team members and worked hard to find roles for team members who may not be able do their normal jobs.
With so much bad news and uncertainty in the world I feel like there are ways to share even if social distancing is required.
- Share a kind word via text, email, or phone call. I have tried to do this more than I normally would because people are more anxious and I want to put more joy out in the world.
- If you are able, donate to a food bank or other foundation. There are a lot of people who despite working may have a harder time financially even with the CARES act. For those that are able, this is a great time to give what you can.
- Be kind to those around you. If you are at the grocery store or at work, now is the time for more grace.
- If you are out walking or running (while social distancing) take the opportunity to wave at those who are also out.
- Be kind to yourself. Sure, somewhere, someone is using this time to be productive, but if you are not–that’s ok. This is a time to be kind and that starts with being kind with yourself.
- It’s not the same without hugs, but a ZOOM birthday party can be fun. My 6 year old seemed to enjoy his.
