INSTEAD of us focusing on our own fear, we need to focus on reaching outwards.
We need to get in touch with people. Check if they need anything, or ask if they just want to chat.
We need to help the most vulnerable among us feel less uncertain and more connected.
We need to check in with our friends, neighbours and family, via a phone call or social media.
Find out from the doctors what it’s like to feel responsible for other people’s lives during a pandemic.
Our friends; nurses; teachers; police.
Find out from the shop assistants what it’s like to work in empty stores, with people holding you personally accountable for a lack of toilet paper.
We need to be nice to people and acknowledge that some, by doing their jobs, are bearing the burdens of uncertainty for entire communities. Let’s not be suspicious of others, but smile at one another if our eyes should meet.
Instead of shopping to stockpile for ourselves, we need to start being considerate — of people who no longer have an income, who have no mode of transport, who, due to the nature of their jobs, currently have no time to shop.
We need to consider the elderly, and anyone else who don’t have the privileges that we have.
We need to consider those who have existing mental health issues, those with anxiety, those with hidden health issues, OCD’s and eating disorders, these current time’s might be exacerbating their internal private battles. Be kind. Even to those who might not be kind back.
We need to consider those who have lost their loved ones. The community trauma that is being generated through their loss.
This kind of community trauma may last for months, years.
We need to consider those who have homes that are not a safe place.
With all the hurt that we are feeling collectively let us mitigate this by creating more joy, more love, more connections. That is the only way.
St Helens resident
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