Nothing kicks your behind more than being sick. You’re going along, doing the things you need to do to maintain some semblance of a healthy life, and the next thing you know, you’ve exchanged your active existence for a seemingly permanent place on the couch. As someone who thrives on activity, I can tell you it’s both physically and mentally debilitating, even the most positive outlook takes a hit…in various forms.
It’s bad enough that you’re feeling under the weather, but all things on your list get pushed further and further to the back burner, whether it’s work, communication, commitments, even housework. God forbid you had a trip planned–having to sit at home while others still go, or just thinking about what you’ve missed tries the most pragmatic minds. These mental acrobatics can take their own toll on your well-being. They tend to be anxiety producing, at least.
You’re not your best self; that’s probably the hardest realization. Your accomplishments aside, your head is not in an optimal place, meaning you’re irritable, at times, and passive about things you’d normally concentrate on. Even if you feel like you should worry about a particular task or person, you just don’t have the energy or ability to act on it. If you’re alone, these feelings can be compounded.
I’d venture that anyone going through something–positive or negative–benefits greatly from sharing it with others. I know there are those who say they’d rather be alone when they’re sick, but I’d speculate that it would apply to certain, short-term illnesses. Even if only to break up an otherwise Groundhog Day-like afternoon, having someone sit with you goes a long way towards hopeful mental health. I’ve certainly been guilty of the “let me know if you need anything” response. In this day of texting and Facebooking our sentiments, there’s something to be said for good, old showing up. It’s not easy, to be sure, but worthwhile for both parties.
Last, but not least, let’s not forget about caregivers. If it’s a long-term illness, the person(s) responsible for taking care of someone suffer as well, sometimes needing as much consideration as the one who is ill. Check in on them–physically, as well. Sometimes, it’s when you’re sitting for a while with someone that they finally feel comfortable enough to share with you their needs, if only as a listener.
Our lives have become busier and busier, and not necessarily in a good way. We don’t often know our neighbors–least of all not well enough to know when they’re struggling. This isn’t a “Call the Midwife”, television-painted society, unfortunately, where the community keeps tabs on each other, making sure they’re doing their best to care for those who need extra attention. But, even if it’s one person in our lives–family, friend, neighbor, or stranger–that we can reach out to, it’d make a much-appreciated dent in one person’s misery.
Quote of the Day
“The human touch is that little snippet of physical affection that brings comfort, support, and kindness. It doesn’t take much from the one who gives it, but can make a huge difference in the one who receives it.” Mya Robarts
Designs on Life 