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By Lucy Barylak, MSW
For the last three weeks, my colleague and I have been providing information sessions through the Caregiver Teleconnection, a program from the WellMed Charitable Foundation regarding the impact, both physical and mental, on caregivers and the general population’s well-being in regards to the coronavirus.
It was important for me to share my experience during the session in order for everyone to realize that we are all in this together—and how true that really is. I live in Montreal, Canada, in the province of Quebec. The province is in lockdown, where only essential services are allowed to be opened. Presently I am isolated at home by myself. I keep telling myself that it is okay to feel anxious, at times afraid, and a sense of isolation. I do not see my children, my family or my friends. I know that those are normal feelings when we are faced with a situation that is beyond our control. The most important thing is to be able to first validate our feelings, obtain accurate information, and find ways to cope. We all have these skills. We need to realize that we do have some control over our lives in dealing with the present situation. Most people are in fact very resilient, and can find a positive way to cope with what we are faced with.
Let me share with you how I am coping. I have put in place a daily schedule and routine that can fluctuate from one day to the next. The schedule always includes eating well, drinking lots of water, exercising, and doing fun things I enjoy, such as dancing, singing, making sure to connect with family and friends daily, reading and enjoying my other hobbies. I do also limit the amount of news I watch and listen to. This coping skill works well for me, and I hope and encourage you to try it as well.
Caregivers who are caring for someone at home or long distance face their own issues during this period. However, that does not mean that you need to isolate yourself even more. There are resources available out in your community that can help and support the both of you. Make sure to access these.
Most of the sessions held had more than 100 people registered. The interesting part was that regardless of who they were – male or female, their background, their religion or race, and their sexual orientation, the fears, the anxieties and the questions were all the same. The sessions seemed to bring people together, making them realize that there is still hope and this too shall pass. There was a feeling of connection and understanding of one another. The feedback from the participants was positive, and that in itself was very rewarding. As a community, I am confident that we will get through this together, regardless of where we live, and who we are.
Having access to information that lets you know how to protect yourself and your loved ones is very reassuring. The access to resources, ranging from support services, groceries delivery services, hot lines for how to deal with anxiety or other feelings, is essential. It is out there, and you are not alone; you just need to access them.
I truly believe that there will be an end to this in due time. We need to be patient, resourceful, careful, understanding and above all protecting of ourselves, our loved ones and our community, I want to thank the WellMed Charitable Foundation for giving hundreds of people the opportunity to be part of our sessions, free of charge. I want to also thank all the participants for your feedback, questions, comments and concerns—they were very meaningful and supportive. Don’t forget that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Keep well!
Lucy Barylak, MSW, is a Social Gerontology Consultant with West-Central Montreal Health in Montreal, Canada. Lucy is a renowned expert in caregiving having won the Queen’s Jubilee Award twice, presented by the Canadian Homecare Association. She has also been a family caregiver for her mother for many years.