Women around me are falling apart. Have you noticed far more anxiety and neurosis around you?
I don’t suffer it, myself, but I see it everywhere.
Women I know are reluctant to leave their homes. To go out in the world. Or if they do (or MUST), they suffer debilitating anxiety symptoms.
Hypnotherapy clients are asking for help for anxiety in greater numbers.
Something’s going on. What is it?
Lockdown has cost us, clearly. It’s been a year and a quarter since our world changed drastically. Family life, work life, every day life–all different now and for many, it will never be the same.
Some of us were truly terrified of going out and putting ourselves at risk –that terror has had lasting impacts, perhaps in ways we don’t realize. But whether we were recognizably terrified or not, lockdown impacted us. It had to.
How many of us feared doing something as simple and routine as grocery shopping? Eating at a restaurant? Gathering with friends? How could that fear not impact us?
Add to that the political situation. Every morning we awaken to a world where an entire faction of people is working day and night to take away the entire basis of our nation and the democratic process. Just take that in. The foundation of our democracy is at risk. That means we always feel at risk.
I feel that risk. A low level of anxiety pervades every hour we are awake. I recognize it.
But.
The insidious nature of this stuff is that some of us may NOT recognize it. We may not be able to identify cause and effect. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
For many of us, it’s become easier to stay cocooned. Home. Where we’re safe. For some, going out takes gargantuan effort. Effort they aren’t willing to make. Because now, they’ve attached survival to the need to draw inward. And that connection is hard to break.
I do what I can as a hypnotherapist. I remain a (mostly) patient and loving friend.
My own concerns—and yes, I have them—are that I can not escape a political environment that is becoming increasingly frightening. So many people do not understand–are simply not knowledgeable enough to understand– what is at risk as one entire faction of government is focused on removing the rights that are the foundation of our nation.
Destroying the American way
The idea that so many of my fellow Americans WANT to suppress voting rights — or see nothing wrong with it– keeps me awake at night. And thanks to Covid, there is no place to escape to.
As it becomes clearer that many who live here do not espouse ore even represent American ideals, I am no longer attached to our country. No longer the proud American I once was.
Only too clearly do I see the flaws in our system, a system easily manipulated by dark forces who aim to destroy us from within.
Only too clearly do I see the ignorance and lack of understanding of our democracy–what it is, what it represents and how it works–among those who follow blindly a path lit up with self-interest.
These are not simply political choices. These are destructive forces aiming to bring us down. Outside forces manipulating people who don’t get it. Using people who don’t know any better and counting on those who are only interested in power and control.
We have long claimed to be the best nation in the world. The strongest. The most powerful. But are we, really?
Not any more.
So when I look around and see anxiety in my circle, I can’t fault them. It didn’t start with Covid. But the inability of the then-government to control the virus played a huge role in what’s happening now.
Anti-vaxxers and Covid deniers (or those who minimize the risk) are part of the same ignorant group responsible for the destruction of our democracy. It is a confusing time.
I’m not yet anxious, but I”m frustrated. And to tell you the truth, when I think about the situation in this country I DO get anxious. Because history teaches us that what’s going on now isn’t good at all. It’s evil.
Something’s going on. And it’s up to us to stop it.
By the way, if you’re feeling anxiety and would like to know more about how hypnotherapy might help you, feel free to get in touch. You can learn a little more here.
The masks came off in Alberta yesterday, so now I’m walking a tightrope between anxiety (was it the right time?!) and joy (finally, I’ll get to be with my family!)
A common enemy is supposed to bring us together, not tear us apart. And you can’t get a more common enemy than a virus.
This time out of time has given me a view of a world I sincerely don’t like. And that I fear.
Thank you for the reminder to do what I can. Industriousness suggests a purpose-driven life. And a purpose is exactly what we all need!
Fortunately, I haven’t felt any anxiety nor has any of my family or friends. What is done in the dark comes out in the light so now we have are just seeing what has been done in the dark for years come to light.
I’m one of those people who like being in the cocoon. Being an introvert, I don’t mind having home as my most-of-the-time place. Feeding into this is a fear of part of our country going off on their own, feeling that laws don’t apply to them. Not sure where this is all headed, which is why many of us want to stay cocooned.
I think the biggest problem is that many people aren’t paying attention. They choose to ignore what’s happening like it isn’t their problem. But, it’s everyone’s problem and they are letting it happen. Or, they believe what they are told without looking at facts. It’s alarming.
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The masks came off in Alberta yesterday, so now I’m walking a tightrope between anxiety (was it the right time?!) and joy (finally, I’ll get to be with my family!)
A common enemy is supposed to bring us together, not tear us apart. And you can’t get a more common enemy than a virus.
This time out of time has given me a view of a world I sincerely don’t like. And that I fear.
Thank you for the reminder to do what I can. Industriousness suggests a purpose-driven life. And a purpose is exactly what we all need!
I feel you, girlfriend. I do.
Fortunately, I haven’t felt any anxiety nor has any of my family or friends. What is done in the dark comes out in the light so now we have are just seeing what has been done in the dark for years come to light.
Yes, absolutely true, I agree.
I’m one of those people who like being in the cocoon. Being an introvert, I don’t mind having home as my most-of-the-time place. Feeding into this is a fear of part of our country going off on their own, feeling that laws don’t apply to them. Not sure where this is all headed, which is why many of us want to stay cocooned.
We have that in common.
Anxious sometimes. Most times not, which is amazing considering I live in Florida.
That IS amazing, Jen.
I think the biggest problem is that many people aren’t paying attention. They choose to ignore what’s happening like it isn’t their problem. But, it’s everyone’s problem and they are letting it happen. Or, they believe what they are told without looking at facts. It’s alarming.
Yes, alarming is a good word for it.