We are now past a month into this COVID-19 pandemic. I am such an introvert that it does not have the same effect on me that it does on so many others. While I am sitting here comfy and cozy in my home, spending more time with my kids and husband, there are so many out there that are miserable being trapped inside. We forget that there are people in abusive relationships that are more exposed to that abuse now because they are trapped with no way to escape it. Think about the children that used to at least be able to be at school and not have to get hit or some other form of abuse why they are there, it was their escape. They are now trapped at home with that abuser with no escape, no way to get away for a few hours of safety. The screaming, crying and other traumatic events that could be taking place behind the locked doors. It breaks my heart. I admit, for weeks I was not thinking about this. For weeks all I could think about was myself and how happy I am to be forced to slow down and thankful to be spending time with my family. The impact of this virus is so much bigger than just the deaths it has caused.
I have a dear friend who said that for her work is her escape. Life at home is not horrible but not great either. Her children are grown and it’s just her and her husband. While he is an awesome guy, he does his thing and she does hers. The one thing she can hang onto daily and look forward to is work. Now, we are all working remote and never seeing each other face to face and so many people are getting furloughed, it is a scary time. She also talked about how she would go to church and get her face to face love, hugs from specific people every week, specific tasks to perform every week and this was how her cup would get filled. Now that has stopped. Her church small group is unable to meet on zoom because some of the people are unable to get good enough internet to allow that. How do you overcome depression, anxiety, fear and loneliness when you are in that situation? If you are an extravert and you need that face to face contact, how do you overcome that overwhelming loss of human contact?
There are so many scenarios like this. It’s so easy to stay in our bubble and forget that they are out there, hidden in their homes, desperate for help.