The Gifts of COVID-19

This crisis has painfully peeled away some of life's superficial layers, helping us see what matters. People feel vulnerable, and life seems more fragile...because it is. Surprisingly, the coronavirus pandemic that has changed our world, bringing fear and devastation to many communities, has also delivered a few gifts. How ironic that the COVID19 virus that drives people apart, keeping people in their homes, and scattering them 6 feet away with faces covered by a mask, has also been the conduit for bringing people together.

Connecting with others, recovery, and hope

Stories of connection and healing form a silver lining around the fallout from this virus. People are reconnecting with old friends and family members holding virtual reunions and happy hours. Instead of colleagues remaining strangers they are reaching out and supporting each other.

Everyone seems a bit more human now. Maybe it's the glimpses of homes, kids, and animals in the background during the work teleconference or it's the collective sharing of the weight of the pandemic.

The vulnerabilities brought by the virus have allowed people to notice... truly notice...each other.

Finding the words. And listening.

People seem willing to listen to each other and less hurried to get on to the next thing. Many are taking the time to connect when they wouldn't have seized the opportunity before. Conversations that were generally superficial and rushed, devoid of details about the important emotional pieces of lives, now include vulnerability. People are finding the words they previously struggled to say.

Words carry the power to heal. And now that people are talking more, I have heard many stories of healing. These include opportunities to process past events with family, support received related to the COVID19 virus, and acceptance felt after sharing personal details of one's life. Conversations are occurring that never seemed possible.

Healing amidst the coronavirus pandemic

There has been a forced re-evaluation and re-setting of priorities lately. Although we are affected by the coronavirus pandemic differently, there's a feeling of togetherness. Nobody is immune (literally and figuratively) or safely out of reach of the virus's ugly tentacles. The collective sharing of this experience brings comfort, especially to those who feel alone. Connecting with others helps people feel more resilient.

Loneliness and fear didn't start with this virus but now it is openly talked about. Financial devastation, insecurities about the future, trauma, anxiety, and depression have existed since the beginning of time. Yet, previously, many felt alone, walking through these experiences in a silo filled with shame and self-judgment.

Now, thanks to the pandemic, struggling and being vulnerable feels a little bit easier to share.

We are resilient: Recovery and Hope

Amidst the tragedy and negative fallout from the COVID19 virus lies a few bright spots. For those, I am grateful. As this virus passes, I hope our enhanced ability to reach out, support, and connect doesn't leave with it.

Physical distancing and stay at home orders do not have to equate to social isolation. Positive connections help us remain grounded, nourish us, and keep us resilient. They will enable us to recover from all the ways the virus touches our lives.

Let's take advantage of these gifts without needing a pandemic to remind us to engage with others, prioritize what we value and need, and that often, the risks we take to share our true selves pay off.

What has been your silver lining to the COVID19 virus?

Help navigate the uncharted waters brought by COVID-19 by building resilience and finding inspiration. Find more posts regarding the coronavirus pandemic here.

Dr. Melissa Welby is a psychiatrist practicing in CT. She is one of LinkedIn Top Voices and a healthcare blogger.

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A version of this article was first published here on the blog of Dr. Melissa Welby