If you had asked any of us in May of 2020, how long we felt the Pandemic would affect our lives, odds are there would be very few accurate predictions. Here we are in May of 2021, and it’s likely that many people still won’t know what the state of affairs in Canada will look like in another years’ time.
You can hear the same conversations wherever you go (not that any of us are going very far). Phrases like, “I haven’t seen my Child/Grandchild/Parent, in over a year,” or “My husband lost his job,“ or, “My kids and I are struggling with school at home.” In some ways, these comments may be strangely comforting, if only to know that many of us feel a sense of shared experience.
We are Canadian and pride ourselves on being independent, strong, and unwilling to complain or let any of it get us down! After all, things can always be worse, as we have seen in some of the examples outside of our country. Some of the appreciation we feel for living where we do, might just be what is keeping us going. We are a resilient bunch…or so we think!
It will take time to understand the impact of the past 14 months, but we are already seeing some of the earliest cracks in the ice. Regardless of how things have changed for you personally, things all around have changed at an unprecedented speed, and that will have repercussions. We all know this, but navigating a world that no one has a map for yet, certainly has an impact.
Stress and fatigue are not new and there isn’t a secret cure that will work for everyone to manage things effectively. The issue is we are not just experiencing the ‘normal’ levels that we are used to in our jobs, family and community groups. We feel stress just leaving the house. We feel stress if someone isn’t practicing the measures outlined by public health. We are worried about our health, our futures and so much more. This added stress can build up in everyone, even those who have never been impacted by poor Mental Health.
If the past year has taught us anything, it‘s that we CAN do things differently and still survive; We have to apply this approach to our mental and physical health as well. Perhaps you have never had to focus on your mental health but now noticing a general feeling of being unwell, or new physical pains/soreness you’ve never experienced before. Our bodies tell us a lot, but it isn’t always obvious. Physical pains in the neck back and chest can result from unresolved stress and tension. Panic attacks or moments of feeling overwhelmed may have become common place. During the pandemic, the instances of people accessing Mental Health professionals for the first time has been unprecedented.
There are many things that can help. We may have to work a little harder, but staying connected to your family and friends is critical. This is difficult obviously because of essential distancing measures, but also because talking is hard when your overall health is poor…which continues the cycle. Push past it when you can and reach out! Check in on your friends, family and neighbours. Get out for a walk, weed the garden, wash the car, start a journal, do yoga, learn to cook.
You may be getting tired of hearing the saying, ‘we are all in it together’! I’m not sure if that is how most people feel, but everyone should be able to find support or make a connection with someone. Accept the help that is out there (resource list below).
At Integrated Staffing, the wellbeing of our amazing employees is paramount to our success. We care very much and keenly focus on our employee’s health & safety in order to provide our clients with the best candidates. We and we understand first-hand how the job market is changing in a post-COVID world. Right now, it’s more important than ever for employers to be able to adapt to the changing landscape - and we’re here to help.
Integrated Staffing has access to a top-quality candidate pool made up of amazing, hard-working Atlantic Canadians that are available for temporary, short-term and long-term employment solutions.
Let us help your company get to where you want it to be with solutions that last.
Stronger. Together. Integrated Staffing.
Resources (a small selection of available services)
Wellness Together Canada (Employee & Family Assistance Program): This is a free resources provided by the Government of Canada to support workers and their families.
Canadian Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 PM - 12 AM ET).
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.