Greetings, my friends!
“Are you tired? Run down? Listless?”
“Do you poop out at parties??” LOL Taken from I Love Lucy. Check it out. It’s funny, and let’s face it – we could ALL use a laugh!
I am starting with one of my jokes to ease the fact that I am totally suffering from COVID and monkey pox and/or the new virus/disease of the century fatigue!! And I am totally over it!
So, consider this my little rant. And this is NOT a political post for or against vaccines, by the way.
How do you cope with COVID and monkey pox fatigue?!! In other words, how do you cope with being totally sick and tired of hearing about and living with the latest disease or pox of the day? The “Disease du Jour” (Disease of the Day), as I like to call it.
Okay. So, we are nearly 2-1/2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic. And I am BEYOND sick of it! I feel like I need to surgically attach the mask to my face.
The New Pox Upon Our Houses
All of this is making mincemeat of my mental health. It was bad enough to worry about – and still worry about – COVID. And if that isn’t bad enough, now we are seeing this new virus called monkeypox that comes along as if to say “hold my beer.” I mean, as soon as you get used to living in a COVID world, here comes the latest pox upon our houses – the monkeypox.
You experience fever, rash, chills, headaches – you know, like the flu – with monkeypox. But the most distinguishing sign of monkeypox is the horrible rash that spreads across your body, particularly on your face. They look like these God-awful blisters. Doctors and scientists say you can recover from monkeypox and it isn’t a death sentence. But still …
What next? I guarantee you there will be some new germ to fixate on by the end of the year or the first of the New Year!
Monkeypox was actually first discovered in 1958. As the name suggests, it first affected monkeys, but then the first human case came about in 1970. Typically, the virus was found in humans in central and western African countries. And I think it goes without saying, that it won’t be long before this is politicized and used as a stigma against these countries and, heaven forbid, monkeys!
The scientists are already suggesting that the virus is being spread quite rapidly through the gay community. Okay, cue and flashback to the AIDS crisis of the 80s. Stigma much?
Step Right up and Get your Latest Vaccine!!
We not only have the COVID vaccines, but now the monkeypox vaccines. And there seems to be an almost panic with trying to get the monkeypox vaccine. And yes, I am both COVID vaxxed and twice boosted (though now it seems that because of the new variants, this may or may not do any good after all!). And I have now received the first of two doses of the monkeypox vaccine.
But I am so sick and tired of all of this. I feel like I am starting kindergarten all over again, you know, back in the Stone Ages when you had to be vaccinated against everything before you were allowed to start school.
Now, of course you have anti-vaxxers who cry foul over having their children vaccinated. And who will not get vaccinated against COVID at all, and they no doubt will not get vaccinated against monkeypox. Oh. Well.
The Effects of Disease Du Jour on your Mental Health
Thanks to COVID, I feel like I shouldn’t touch any surfaces other than my own at home, that I need to wipe EVERYTHING down. And now because of monkeypox, I also feel like I cannot or should not hug anybody, friends included. I feel like I am living in some sort of Twilight Zone-type, post-apocalyptic world. And it is very tiring. Tiring to worry about your health and germs constantly. Tiring to remember to wear a mask. Tiring to worry whether you are going to catch something so horrible by doing something so innocent.
This sort of mental anguish places one in a high state of panic and anxiety, and that is not good. And especially for someone like me who already suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and intrusive thoughts, it is downright torture.
Cope, Baby, COPE!
So, how does one cope with this madness?
- I do the best I can to stay healthy.
- And yes, I get the vaccines. It is, of course, your choice if you don’t. No judgments.
- Distractions such as music and TV and, of course, blogging and writing help me.
- Staying positive and focused.
- Not focusing on it so much.
- Exercise, if that is your thing.
- Try NOT to stress eat!! (see my link below on that subject!)
I have written extensively on positive coping mechanisms, and this is a good time to bring them back up in the face of this BS we are all currently going through:
- First of all, it’s NOT the end of the world. I think there may be the thought, particularly by Bible thumpers, that we are all doomed. That Armageddon is upon us. I don’t believe that. I think it is a wakeup call to a lot of stuff that is going on in our world, though.
- Do yourself a favor and get vaccinated (if you believe in vaccines). I am not here to preach for or against. But you know what is best for you.
- But, yes, do your own research on these vaccines! Again, if you feel skeptical, by all means research what could potentially be going into your body.
- Practice mindfulness. I have also “preached” extensively on this topic. What is mindfulness? It is when you choose to empty your mind of all thoughts, especially bad ones. Easier said than done, right? But doable. There are several techniques to this. One technique is to imagine your thoughts in a balloon floating away. I feel it is best to listen to guided meditation tapes, any of which you can find on YouTube. You can also choose what you wish to focus on, like the beach. Or the sun. Or a quiet and peaceful place.
- Music! Music! And more music! I am a HUGE advocate of listening to music to chase away the fears and the blahs and mental boogeymen. So, crank up your favorite tunes!
- And you may even want to dance when doing so, which brings up another good one – dancing!! I live for 80s nights at the Heretic here in Atlanta. But of course you can always choose to … wait for it …
- EXERCISE! Working out, running, biking, etc. – some form of physical activity to get your mind off things and to boost your endorphins, which is a mood enhancer and aids in fighting anxiety and depression.
- Read a book!! Heck, just read! But I personally like the old school reading of a good book or a novel. I would suggest reading a good self-help book, too. I also love biographies and autobiographies of my favorite celebrities. Reading about someone else’s life helps you forget about the miseries in your own.
- Any hobby will do. Pick up something fun and interesting and entertaining to do to keep your mind focused on something else. Cooking, sewing, martial arts, playing an instrument, etc.
- Lose yourself in TV. That’s right TV. A good movie or TV show can certainly get your mind off of worrying about COVID, monkeypox or anything in general.
The above list, with the exception of the first 3, can apply to anything that is bothering/worrying you.
But remember, if you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:
Dealing with the disease du jour can be taxing. But stay positive. And I don’t say that lightly. Thank you all for listening to my little rant. Please feel free to leave me a comment below. And stay safe, healthy, and as always, be mentally well!
DEREK’S DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals. These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance. Thanking you in advance!
I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: There are products on this page. By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you. However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).
