It’s almost a year now staying at home, quarantining. A YEAR. Personally, I have gone through waves of emotions on the daily. Being a Gen-X’er and an only child growing up, I have always been ok with being on my own, having solitary time. I enjoyed it. But this pandemic has taken a toll. It’s depressing. And I know it has affected my son. He told me it has definitely changed him. We talk freely with each other about how we’re doing. Regardless if you are a self-proclaimed introvert, we humans need to physically see other humans. We are social beings. We need to be able to reach out and hug our loved ones. The other person in our small bubble is my husband. He is not in tune with his emotions. Overall, I would say that he is handling the pandemic pretty well. But is that because he is the “man” of the house and feels that’s how he should portray himself? Granted he has said, of course this all depressing! But then he moves along. He had older parents that died when he was a teen and young adult. There wasn’t a lot of talking/dealing/expressing feelings in his household growing up. It was just a different environment being from another country. He played outside or went to school. Mom cooked and dad worked. No real time for deep convos. So knowing that and knowing him, I paid attention. I know he won’t admit to any “fears,” personally. Or admit he is feeling down for no damn reason. Just the other day, I asked him what was wrong as his mood changed quickly, and he said “Nothing, I’m just irritated.” At 1st I was a little put off by this quick change in his mood and then I reminded myself. The sadness can come on at any time. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve like my son and I do. And that’s ok. It’s perfectly normal to feel scared, anxious, sad, concerned during this worrisome and unclear time in our lives. Just the influx of information that changes constantly is enough to make someone feel lost. So knowing he doesn’t like to talk “feelings”, I will show him in other ways. I give him more hugs (but not too many, or he’ll wonder what’s up 😉). I’ll sit with him, even if he’s reading his emails and I’m working on my blog. I’ll watch something he likes that’s uninteresting to me and remind our son to do the same. I’ll let him know I’m here if he ever does want to vent. The hard-shelled, guarded people in your lives. Don’t forget to check on them too. 💓 By: Liv D.

If you feel depressed and need someone to talk to, or know someone you are concerned about, please seek help. NSPL or MHA