Efforts to open the economy have been made by the private sector and government. It is crucial for our nation’s survival. However, it is like walking a tightrope—open businesses, but keep Covid in check. There is no official guidebook for this situation. We just learn from experience, and sometimes at a high cost. The world cannot predict how this disease will evolve. In our haste (and desperation) to get back to normal, we forget that Covid still looms over our lives. Honestly, how many vaccinations do we still need to have? 

See also: Here's Everything You Need to Know About 'Long COVID'

This never-ending Covid story heavily affects people’s mental health, and has taken a toll. Wellness has become a priority for many because the alternative is to drown in an ocean of despair, fear and paranoia. I asked Dr Cristina Esquivel-Saldivar, a registered psychologist, on what are the mental health after-effects that emerged from Covid, and she says, “These would be anxiety and depression, as well as other adjustment-related mental health challenges like panic attacks, anger management issues, domestic violence, grief. Due to chronic exposure to stress and difficulty in identifying appropriate responses and coping strategies, my clients found difficulty in dealing with the changes brought about by the restrictions.”

It isn’t a simple nor straightforward situation that requires a template-style treatment. Psychologists assess each case, as they are all different. “Understanding the unique situations that our clients are experiencing, we tailor-fit or customise our approaches and interventions to their needs. For some, it can be exploring ways to adjust to the now and new normal. For some, we help in developing healthier mindsets and challenging maladaptive or unhelpful thought patterns. We also provide a holistic well-being approach that deals with their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, as well as financial wellness.”

Saldivar also gave the following specific recommendations for coping with the “great life disruptor” called Covid: It is best to understand that you are not alone in this situation. For those who still have a work-from- home (WFH) set-up, it is easy for people to feel isolated and alone. Encourage people to reach out to others.

Try to look at some of the advantages gained from this pandemic, especially for those still on WFH set-up. Appreciate more time gained from not having to commute to work; more sleeping time gained since there is no need to wake up early to travel to work; more time to bond with family.

Keep a growth mindset. That, despite challenges, we can still discover new ways of adjusting and dealing with the pandemic. Be kind to yourself. Practice positive self-talk and self-compassion and be the first to encourage yourself. Be your own best friend.

The pandemic was a game changer, constantly causing upheaval in our lives. There is the bad (worry, death of a loved one, getting ill yourself, losing a job, etc), but there is the good (self-discovery, appreciation of one’s blessings, realising the importance of family and friends, opportunities to be of service to others, developing empathy). Beyond the physical and mental changes, I also believe there was a progression of the soul. Maybe this sounds too dramatic, but hear me out. It is during our most vulnerable moment, that we seek the divine. So, amidst Covid’s ugliness, there is this beautiful communion with God. Many I know have gone on a meaningful spiritual path.

There is also the hunger to live life to the fullest after the pandemic reaction. There is revenge travel, meeting up with friends, going to concerts, partying, and just plain human interaction that we are starved for. But how to balance this zest for life with being mindful and aware of others’ suffering and misfortune? Don’t forget that over 60,000 have died of this disease and many have lost their jobs.

So, we go back to the crucial question. Will Covid ever end? Can we go back to our pre-pandemic selves and ways? Sadly no, it is here to stay. In what form, only fate can decide. Uncertainty reigns.

We simply cannot resist Covid, just like we must live with sadness, strife, challenges, despair, and fear. On the flipside, there is kindness, compassion, empathy, grace, and love. All of it is really part of the spectrum of our lives. The stoic Seneca said, “As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” Let’s take his wise advice then and live a good life—with or without Covid.

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