This blog normally focuses on mortgage industry issues relating to fraud.  Today, however, I wanted to talk about an issue that is more personal and near to my heart, knowing some close friends who are dealing with severe anxiety and depression during these times.  They call their difficult days “COVID down days.”

COVID “down” day is a day you wake up and cannot seem to overcome the anxiety caused by another day in “lock-down.” It is the fear of even traveling outside your home with with mask and gloves because who knows if that will prevent the disease from infecting you or your loved ones. It’s the sadness of not being able to see friends, family, acquaintances and missing significant events such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and anniversaries. It is the sinking feeling that this crisis may never end, and that it will simply go up and down like a roller coaster and you will never feel safe anymore. It is confusion over statements from “experts” who say one thing one day (masks good) and the opposite another day (masks bad). It is concern that life will never be “normal” again and that “new normal” is not something you can accept.

If you or anyone you know has any or all of these feelings you are not alone. Depression and anxiety are real emotions felt by many people today around the world who are living life like an animal locked in a cage in a zoo. People who feel these emotions are not “crazy” or “sick.” They are experiencing real pain that requires us to be patient, loving, reassuring and supportive.

If you are feeling this way do not hide your feelings or mask them with drugs or alcohol. Reach out to your partner, a family member or a friend you can trust and talk it out. Talking heals. Hugging heals. Listening heals. Kind words heal. 

If you are a person of faith (and even if you are not) consider taking out a Bible and reading some passages that offer comfort, such as John 14:1-7, 27; Isaiah 43:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 16-18; 1 Peter 5:7-11; Psalm 46; Psalm 28:7; and Psalm 91:1-8. Reading these words you will soon realize that you are blessed and loved by God. Don’t let your heart be troubled, for He is with you and will never forsake you. Trust Him and take your cares to Him and your prayers will be heard.

LOVE TO YOU ALL!