Navigating 2020: Understanding the Collective Overwhelm and Its Impact
We’re all “going through something.” And that “something” is 2020. This graphic attempts to capture the current, nearly collective overwhelm we’ve faced throughout the year.
This graphic has purposefully simple and broad categories. You might have more or less on your chart, and each circle might impact your life differently. In addition, each circle can have sub-categories.
COVID: this one is self-explanatory and arguably affects all aspects of our lives.
Personal Relationships: Friends, family members, partners, etc. You may have even realized that your relationship with your local barista shifted your morning routine more than you realized. Our relationships were forced to shift this year. While some may have grown stronger, others may have broken down or become distant—beyond social distancing.
Politics: Another area that likely feeds into all the rest, especially this year, and especially over the last week in the US.
Seasonal Shifts: Whether it’s daylight savings time, or the shift in temperature, seasonal shifts, and depression, are real. Honestly, I don’t see it being talked about enough. If you’re someone who experiences seasonal depression, it might be hitting harder this year. And if you look at this graphic, it’s easy to see why.
Employment Status: The way we work is changed forever. Although some lost their jobs, many people transitioned to working from home, which makes it more accessible and can contribute to a better work-life balance.
Upcoming Holidays: Holidays are increasingly difficult for me and I try to share that on my page each year. Holidays aren’t always “happy” for everyone. This year, holidays may be more difficult for those who do enjoy them, especially considering the timing of lockdowns and social distancing.
Pre-2020 Health and Mental Health: What existed prior to COVID, how COVID impacted our pre-existing health and mental health, and how we’re coping, caring, and managing. Do we have access to the same aids? Does our employment status affect the medication we receive? Is COVID increasing our anxiety?
In 2020, we were all forced to make abrupt changes in our lives. Now, we’re working to find acceptance in that.