Crisis Fatigue
Crisis fatigue is used to describe the emotional and physical response to prolonged periods of stress that develop due to economic depressions, war or pandemics, political instabilities, natural disasters and racial injustices.
The USA is experiencing crisis fatigue spawned by rampaging COVID-19, ravaging fires, hurricane flooding, economic depression, food and shelter insecurities and political upheaval.
Physical and mental exhaustion, changes in sleep patterns and diet, unexplained body aches and pains, feeling numb or empty, feeling anxious or helpless, difficulty concentrating, lacking empathy for others, more frequent use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, becoming withdrawn…all can be symptoms of crisis fatigue.
Some people are at greater risk than others for experiencing crisis fatigue; poverty, bereavement as a result of crisis, unemployment/financial uncertainty, homelessness, trauma, limited mobility, pre-exisiting mental health condition and discrimination are all significant contributors. These symptoms can last for weeks or months in prolonged periods of crisis.
The following are suggestions for coping with crisis fatigue:
- Disconnect from media
- Maintain your routine
- Take a break, a time out
- Engage an activity that re-focuses the mind
- Physical activity
- Talk to someone
- Ask for help
- Ask others if they need help
- Prayer and meditation
- Listening to calming music
- Breathe
These are challenging historical moments. We will get through them. Be kind to yourself and others. Plug in to your belief system; turn the bright light on and keep it on. Take good care. Stay safe.
Blessings!
