The Next Phase & Living in the Grey

/ Focht Family Practice/

In the beginning of March, when many of us were beginning to quarantine, there was so much anxiety. How big are the risks? Will we get sick? How long will this last? Will the grocery stores restock? Will we have enough food? Will we keep our jobs? Of course, all of these questions persist, but the palpable anxiety has diminished (for many of us) as we’ve settled into new routines, transitioned from in-person to Zoom meetings and gatherings, and have continued to keep our day-to-day life confined under our roofs.

For many of us, it has been incredibly difficult (isolating, no childcare, homeschooling, more stress and fighting at home, etc.), AND we’ve also had the privilege of staying home, staying safe and staying healthy. Now, as we begin to enter the next phase of all this - and we see our neighboring states open up their parks, bars and restaurants and Chicago begins to “soften” on the lock down - I’ve been seeing another spike in tour collective anxiety. There is a new sense of uncertainty, a new challenge for us -- how to live in a grey area of risk.

Just weeks ago, it was pretty black and white - you can only leave the house for emergencies, essential services and groceries. Restaurants, bars, playgrounds, schools, the lakefront are all closed. Now, we each have a million and one questions to ask ourselves; can a friend come over if we stay outside and are six feet apart? Can grandparents finally come see their grandkids? If daycares reopen, is it safe to send our children? Should we go to a restaurant if outdoor seating is available? The list goes on and on… and unfortunately, there are no clear answers.

Anxiety breeds in uncertainty. When we perceive risk, when we feel scared or threatened, it grows. This is an unprecedented time in our collective memories, and this new phase is no different. Many of us have to ask some really hard questions of ourselves and our families and friends. Navigating school, playdates, gatherings etc, will now all require a new level of personal introspection, couple & family communication and trust in our communities.

Here are some resources that may be helpful as you and your families begin to think about next steps and make decisions about what feels safe for you and your loved ones:

A New Thing to Fight About; Virus Risks, Jessica Grose Interview with 3 couples: When Couples Fight about Virus Risks, Jessica Grose

What Parents Should know as States ReOpen, Annie Sneed

Safety Advice for Reopening, Andrea Petersen

The Horror of the Corona Virus Data Log, Amanda Mull