“You are not working from home; you are at your home during a crisis trying to work.” I stopped scrolling when I came across this
Tweet
from Neil Webb.
At the heart of this Tweet is something that should be apparent to all of us, yet still seems to be evasive: it is only natural to feel lost, unmotivated and even afraid at a time like this. We feel guilty that we don’t have the same “focus” as we did at Hamilton. That task that should take an hour now spans three or more.
We are experiencing a global catastrophe, on a scale comparable to 9/11 or the 2008 Great Recession. Yet during those trying times, we could rely on the physical support of others. We could be physically present to comfort our loved ones, to mourn, to celebrate, to even share a laugh.
You should not feel ashamed or out of place if you feel isolated and stressed. Physical contact is necessary for humans to survive, but coronavirus has taken the basic support systems we have created at Hamilton and thrown it out the window.
This crisis requires a new level of emotional availability that too often is not necessary for our regular, everyday lives.
It’s not easy and I know this firsthand. Whenever anything stressful occurs, I tend to push myself further into my work in order to avoid said stressor. I find it very difficult to make myself emotionally available in these types of situations.
Unsurprisingly this method (normally) doesn’t work. Somehow, it’s even less efficient during a catastrophe that is inescapable on cable television or social media.
But there is one thing I’ve learned during my time at Hamilton: you need to be upfront with your emotions and be able to ask for help.
The only way we will make it through this crisis is by leaning on one another and talking candidly about our emotions. While being upfront with what we need from our friends is extremely emotionally taxing at the moment, it will allow everyone to at least feel a little more at ease.
Do not be afraid to be the first one to reach out to your friends. It is not a sign of weakness or failureㅡ it’s a sign of courage during dark times.
