December of 2019, a global outbreak of a deadly virus, Covid-19, spread and has completely flipped the world upside down. The pandemic has truly impacted one’s mental, physical, and social health. Unfortunately, quarantine has been the only solution to protecting ourselves and the ones around us. It has created a great physical and emotional distance between our friends and loved ones. As if that isn't heartbreaking enough, to add, the sanity and mental health of many has also drastically altered. The majority of people did not react well to such sudden changes. A fellow peer, Shaquetta Smith, will always remember this. “For the first time, I am experiencing the toughest adjustment in my entire life,” she said.
Mental health awareness has been receiving more attention than ever. Quarantine became a time for self-reflection and evaluation of one’s mental health, especially for Shaquetta. “It made me realize that not only do I suffer from mental health illness now, but I have always struggled with these issues.” Shaquetta, usually full of smiles going from ear to ear, was now presenting a more vulnerable side of herself. In a down tone, she said “It took something so tragic like the pandemic and quarantine to open my eyes and acknowledge the fact that I was never really okay.” Discovering that there is an issue was her first step to a healthier life and positive recovery. “Like others, I never fully understood the importance of my mental stability and wellness until now.” Letting out a smirk, Shaquetta adds “I guess it is better to come to terms with my issues a little later than never.” Not only has this time of distress impacted her mental health but also her relationships.
Relationships are one of the many aspects that have been affected by this pandemic. It has taken a toll on many platonic and romantic relationships; it was like pulling the speaker plug out of an outlet at a party. INSTANT DISCONNECTION. Friendships have temporarily and permanently disconnected. There was a loud silence before Shaquetta said, “Aniya, I went from socializing with some of my closest school friends every day to not at all. And that still hurts. The lack of physical interaction in the school building is a huge factor. In regards to my relationships outside of the school environment, I still have a few.” After seeing my genuine curiosity to know more about the relationships she has held onto, she then says “I maintain the relationships that I think are most important to me. I told myself that I wasn’t going to force any relationship that would cause more harm than help my mental health. Now I text and facetime my true friends every once and a while, just to catch up. I also interact with people through social media, like Instagram and Snapchat.” It is apparent that her mindset has shifted and now she is looking at life through a different pair of eyes, the eyes of appreciation. Being appreciative and grateful is a feeling that has risen to its highest for everyone during this time.
Shaquetta explains how much her best friend means to her and goes into detail about this one unforgettable moment. “My best friend, I love her a whole lot, but I don’t express it often. I am not a fan of expressing my emotions with anyone, to be honest,” Shaquetta said. She goes on to say, “We were on the phone as normal, but this felt different. Now everyone knows that I am not super emotional or sentimental, but it was like it wasn't even me talking.” Knowing how awkward it was going to be repeating the words she said to her best friend, we chuckled. “I love you and appreciate everything you have done for me. I apologize for being so emotionally distant with you because I honestly don't know what I would do without you.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was like music to my ears to finally hear Shaquetta express her feelings to one of the people she loves the most. As Shaquetta’s friend, I have never heard her speak like that therefore I was shocked. Jaw-dropped shocked. I was anxious to hear how her best friend responded. She says that her best friend responded “AWWWWW bestie, you are going to make me cry. I love you so much and it feels so good to hear you say that!” If there is something to take from this experience, it is the importance of reassurance in relationships. Reassurance is an important reminder of your love and the reason why you chose a person. Shaquetta reports, “In all the years of us being best friends, we have never had a conversation like this. And if I could thank Covid-19 for anything, this moment would be the first.” Like a proud mom, I was smiling so big, you could barely see my eyes. This touched my heart in a way like never before.
The coronavirus has been an uncertain and depressing time for everyone. We have all realized that we need each other. It is no time to be selfish, hold grudges, or be distant with the people that we love. Every morning that we open our eyes knowing that we have people who care about us is enough to be grateful!
During this pandemic, people have suffered from the feeling of loss in many different ways. People have felt the loss of family members, more specifically passing away due to the virus, the loss of friendships, and even the loss of one’s self. Despite the darkness that has fallen upon this world, there is at least one gain of insight throughout this all. Be appreciative of every blessing that you wake up to, stay humble, and embrace the relationships that even now are standing tall. Step one: look at life through a pair of new eyes.
Mental health awareness has been receiving more attention than ever. Quarantine became a time for self-reflection and evaluation of one’s mental health, especially for Shaquetta. “It made me realize that not only do I suffer from mental health illness now, but I have always struggled with these issues.” Shaquetta, usually full of smiles going from ear to ear, was now presenting a more vulnerable side of herself. In a down tone, she said “It took something so tragic like the pandemic and quarantine to open my eyes and acknowledge the fact that I was never really okay.” Discovering that there is an issue was her first step to a healthier life and positive recovery. “Like others, I never fully understood the importance of my mental stability and wellness until now.” Letting out a smirk, Shaquetta adds “I guess it is better to come to terms with my issues a little later than never.” Not only has this time of distress impacted her mental health but also her relationships.
Relationships are one of the many aspects that have been affected by this pandemic. It has taken a toll on many platonic and romantic relationships; it was like pulling the speaker plug out of an outlet at a party. INSTANT DISCONNECTION. Friendships have temporarily and permanently disconnected. There was a loud silence before Shaquetta said, “Aniya, I went from socializing with some of my closest school friends every day to not at all. And that still hurts. The lack of physical interaction in the school building is a huge factor. In regards to my relationships outside of the school environment, I still have a few.” After seeing my genuine curiosity to know more about the relationships she has held onto, she then says “I maintain the relationships that I think are most important to me. I told myself that I wasn’t going to force any relationship that would cause more harm than help my mental health. Now I text and facetime my true friends every once and a while, just to catch up. I also interact with people through social media, like Instagram and Snapchat.” It is apparent that her mindset has shifted and now she is looking at life through a different pair of eyes, the eyes of appreciation. Being appreciative and grateful is a feeling that has risen to its highest for everyone during this time.
Shaquetta explains how much her best friend means to her and goes into detail about this one unforgettable moment. “My best friend, I love her a whole lot, but I don’t express it often. I am not a fan of expressing my emotions with anyone, to be honest,” Shaquetta said. She goes on to say, “We were on the phone as normal, but this felt different. Now everyone knows that I am not super emotional or sentimental, but it was like it wasn't even me talking.” Knowing how awkward it was going to be repeating the words she said to her best friend, we chuckled. “I love you and appreciate everything you have done for me. I apologize for being so emotionally distant with you because I honestly don't know what I would do without you.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was like music to my ears to finally hear Shaquetta express her feelings to one of the people she loves the most. As Shaquetta’s friend, I have never heard her speak like that therefore I was shocked. Jaw-dropped shocked. I was anxious to hear how her best friend responded. She says that her best friend responded “AWWWWW bestie, you are going to make me cry. I love you so much and it feels so good to hear you say that!” If there is something to take from this experience, it is the importance of reassurance in relationships. Reassurance is an important reminder of your love and the reason why you chose a person. Shaquetta reports, “In all the years of us being best friends, we have never had a conversation like this. And if I could thank Covid-19 for anything, this moment would be the first.” Like a proud mom, I was smiling so big, you could barely see my eyes. This touched my heart in a way like never before.
The coronavirus has been an uncertain and depressing time for everyone. We have all realized that we need each other. It is no time to be selfish, hold grudges, or be distant with the people that we love. Every morning that we open our eyes knowing that we have people who care about us is enough to be grateful!
During this pandemic, people have suffered from the feeling of loss in many different ways. People have felt the loss of family members, more specifically passing away due to the virus, the loss of friendships, and even the loss of one’s self. Despite the darkness that has fallen upon this world, there is at least one gain of insight throughout this all. Be appreciative of every blessing that you wake up to, stay humble, and embrace the relationships that even now are standing tall. Step one: look at life through a pair of new eyes.
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