The more we reopen, the more closed some may feel

This week, I want to focus on Mental Health. It’s been a while since I’ve talked about it here, and it’s a pretty important topic to me.

Enough about me, though. More importantly, how are you? I hope you’re all doing ok. If you’re not feeling ok, that’s alright too. I hope things get better for you soon.

Right now, I seem to be having mixed feelings, mostly involving more places reopening. On the one hand, it’s great to see people again, and small businesses are happy. On the other hand, I’m feeling very nervous and anxious about it.

We’ve been indoors for almost two years for many of us, but it feels much longer. Sure, I’ve been out here and there, but not nearly as much as I usually do during the Summer. Sometimes, I get a bit sad or angry when I see pictures or videos of people going out like everything’s normal again.

I should point out that there’s no such thing as normal, at least in my mind. There could be things and places that are normal to you personally, but not to anyone else. The same thing goes for perfection.

Anyways, as far as getting upset sometimes when I see or hear about others going out recently. Most of that stems from feeling left out.

Yes, I could easily find a patio nearby and have a drink with friends. However, that’s not something that I want to do right now. Yes, I’ve had my two shots, and the second one will kick in next weekend. Even after that, I’m still at risk. The vaccines won’t protect us 100%, BUT it’ll protect us better IF we get Covid.

As far as vaccine goes, as great as our statistics, several Canadians still aren’t vaccinated. Some are due to the horribly designed vaccine system. For others, some are picking and choosing which vaccine to get. I have nothing to say about that.

Then, there are the people that aren’t able to get the vaccine due to health reasons. Those of you that are facing that dilemma, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you’re feeling left behind and that not many understand how you feel. In my opinion, not enough is mentioned about it, but it should be more prevalent in the media.

Lately, when I watch the news or on social media, most talk is about places reopening and how we’ll soon be allowed to be around more people indoors.

That’s just not true for everyone, especially those with medical issues. It could also be for other reasons as well. I know this may surprise a few people, but others in Ottawa care about others, and therefore, don’t want to get sick and put others at risk.

Sounds crazy, I know.

For those of you that are feeling ignored or left out, I feel you. An important thing to remember during those times is that you’re doing what you need to do to protect yourself and others. I sincerely hope that things get better so we can all feel included, as safe as possible. In the meantime, you do you in whatever way you can.

Right now though, there are many that are being ignored and that are staying home, and that shouldn’t be the case.

As for me, I’m still going to wear a mask possibly even after OPH says we don’t need to. I’ll wear them when I go shopping or need to go the bank etc. As I mentioned last week, I’m undecided about going to see a movie or events in the near future.

I feel like we live in a different world these days. In some cases, life will probably never be 100% the same as it was.

At times, it can feel very confusing; even for the things that once were simple, I can assure you that you’re not alone.

And please remember, just because places are reopening, it doesn’t mean you need to go there as soon as possible. During the first few days, places are typically busy. My suggestion is to wait a few days or weeks. A few days, or weeks later, the business may not be as busy, which usually means better service.

Be safe wherever you may be.