No, I’m not thinking about the lingering physical malaise that is sometimes called “long COVID.” I’m thinking about the lingering social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects caused by two years of social distancing, isolation, mistrust, and fear. We all went along with it; what else could we do without further isolating ourselves? Psychologist Jody Harrington … Continue reading The long-lasting effects of COVID
mental health
Scattered thoughts on a rainy Saturday morning
A few years ago I complained to my doctor about the arthritic pains I feel at times. His response was: "Well, you're eighty years old. What do you expect?" (In defense of my doctor, my arthritis pains have never come to stay in any particular joint, they come and go in different places.) Perhaps Saskatchewan … Continue reading Scattered thoughts on a rainy Saturday morning
Shema Yisrael
Before Viktor Frankl was deported from Austria in 1942, he had the manuscript for his first book on psychology sewn into the lining of his overcoat. The first thing that happened when the Jewish prisoners arrived at a Nazi concentration camp was that they were told to strip and shower. They never got their own … Continue reading Shema Yisrael
Five things to do to maintain mental health
As taught in Norway, based on British research and reported in a French news magazine, with comments (in italics) by the Canadian writer of this post. Establish social connections.(Social media connections don’t count.) Keep physically active.(Leave the car at home and walk to the store.) Pay attention to details.(But forget the details of mistakes made … Continue reading Five things to do to maintain mental health
I want to live until I die
Age segregation begins in schools. As schools get bigger and bigger it is more and more difficult for a child to relate to those outside her own age group. At the other end of life, retirement offers freedom, but it is freedom with no purpose. Retirees associate with other retirees and strive to keep themselves … Continue reading I want to live until I die
Social distancing – an unfortunate choice of words
Epidemiologists say that to slow the spread, it's important to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres between people. This is physical distancing, not social distancing. In these times, people need social connection, not distancing. And this connection is not made by the so-called social media, like Facebook and Twitter. The connections that … Continue reading Social distancing – an unfortunate choice of words
How I stay sane during a time of confinement
(Or at least try to) Talk to my cats. I know this probably sounds like I'm already losing it, but if there are not many people to talk to, cats are not a bad substitute. They are not persons, but they do have personalities, often a little eccentric, Both of ours are largely Siamese and … Continue reading How I stay sane during a time of confinement
Is anybody listening?
Christians who suffer from depression or other emotional or mental distress often face disapproval if they try to find help in psychologists and pills. It is true that there are dangers with both. What kind of help are we offering them? “Why do Christians shoot their wounded?” was the title of a book published some … Continue reading Is anybody listening?
Flatlander Faith 