The COVID 19 Storm: What boat are you in?

We are roughly six months into this wild ride – emotionally drained, frazzled, shorter tempered, and less patient. We’re all in the same storm but not necessarily on the same boat. 

 For some who live alone there is endless loneliness, while others living alone are appreciating the peace and quiet.

Some have experienced the virus firsthand while others question how serious to take this pandemic.

Some welcome the reprieve from life’s whirlwind while others are in a desperate financial and family crisis. 

We are in the same storm yet experiencing entirely different journeys.

No matter the boat you are on, staying healthy – both physically and mentally — is imperative.  Mental health and physical health are fundamentally linked.  The two should not be thought of as separate. Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Similarly, poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions.

The mind and body are affected by changes to physiological and emotional processes, as well as by social factors such as income. Google “income associated with mental health” and a slew of findings come up. And these findings suggest that adults with reduced incomes are at increased risk mental health disorders.

Employment is critical.

With more than 22 million Americans filing for unemployment this past month, we now face a mental health pandemic. People need to be working. Having a job contributes to our happiness, helps us to build confidence and self-esteem, and rewards us financially…everything we need to weather this storm.    

But there are still opportunities – many jobs available! These employment opportunities will impact lives, getting people through these challenging times. 

Jim Carchidi is chief enthusiasm officer at JFC Staffing Companies.