COVID-19 has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. It is hard to turn on the news or read a news report and not see something about the virus. Even though we are all connected by this virus, some people have specific struggles. These struggles can be linked to certain pandemic perspectives. Every person has a different perspective based on their personalities, work life, and home life. It is important to understand these pandemic perspectives in order to help each other in these trying time.

The following pandemic perspectives were written by members of Safe Harbor International Ministries administration intern team. They provide an insight on how everyone is being impacted by this pandemic. From being an introvert and staying inside during these times, and normal times to being an extrovert and having to be thoughtful when going outside. 

What is COVID-19?

As you know by now, the COVID-19 virus that is closing homes and businesses around the world is running rampant. The Human Coronavirus spreads just like the flu or the cold. It is a high risk for older people and those people who have ailments such as:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• lung disease
• people who are immunocompromised

The United States Government is recommending that we practice social distancing. This is simply is paying attention to how close you get to others. Put at least 6 feet between you and another person when in public. It is also recommended that you work and learn from home. If you must visit an elderly person, you should try to utilize FaceTime applications to do so. Also, all major events including concerts and sporting events are to be canceled.

Pandemic Perspective: The Introvert 

The following pandemic perspective was written by Safe Harbor Intern Lyza.

In such an unknown and crazy time in ALL of our lives right now, it is important to remember that some people are “homebodies” and like to live their everyday lives as if they are being quarantined. Introverts are people who are normally shy and quiet, they are people who normally observe a crowd and avoid being the center of attention. 

A dream of an introvert is most likely, social distancing. Essentially, if you are an introvert, you are pretty much thriving right now. Many large cities around the country have shut down or put restrictions on restaurants, concert halls, movie theaters, gyms, and other “social” places. Which means that everyone is pretty much left to stay inside with their families, or alone. Introverts were made for this pandemic. 

I have been surviving this global pandemic and the social distancing by simply staying inside and just looking outside. I have been watching plenty of television and “window” shopping online. Mainly, I have been just communicating more with my family and friends than ever and enjoying my time home with my grandparents. I also remind myself a lot that everyone is going through the same thing as I am, and this is helping me understand professors and group mates. 

Pandemic Perspective: The Extrovert

 

The following pandemic perspective was written by Safe Harbor intern Sarah.

There is something to be said about the ability to appreciate being home, keeping physical distance from others, and having quiet times to self reflect. It also reminds us, especially an extrovert such as myself, that it will be ok. When I first heard of a potential quarantine I hit a level of immediate panic. My life is constantly in the public circulating myself often around large groups of people. 

No, I do not live the life of a celebrity or even an influencer but that of a service industry worker. As I’m sure you all have heard by now it is a very difficult period for us. I personally stood in a food line the other day with no more than 10 people as per the health officer who vigilantly watched us recommended. I felt scared and alone. A local Atlanta restaurant Cafe Intermezzo was closing and was giving us free meals until the supplies ran out. I called everyone I knew to notify them of this opportunity and heard numerous responses of other groups offering free food in the area. As reality set in that we were going to be in it for the long haul, I sat and reflected on how I would typically spend my week. 

I work a hectic schedule that typically requires me to go from one job to the next. Normally, I wake up early in the morning, which I assure you I am not currently practicing, and start my day at a restaurant. I greet the cooks, managers, my co-workers, and guests giving me a sense of family. I hustle throughout the day ensuring my job duties are completed. Every guest/co-worker I talk to makes me feel a sense of social connection in a world that is accelerating more technologically. It is not only typically financial securing but also mentally therapeutic for me. So what happens when it seems to be all taken away?

Pandemic Perspective Advice: from an extrovert to other extroverts:

Google defines feeling in two ways. 

1. an emotional state or reaction
2. a belief, especially vague or irrational one.

My feelings have ranged from paranoia, isolation, and overall fear of the uncertain future. My mother has always told me, “Feelings are not right or wrong they just are”. I believe that statement to be true, however for my extroverts and industry workers who are feeling alone let’s review what else is happening amidst the crisis.

Multiple organizations are reaching out offering food assistance, bill assistance, and numerous other organizations letting us know we are not alone. We don’t have to shut off our personalities as we might have previously thought. We just have to change the medium in which we display ourselves. It has made me gain a new appreciation for being able to technologically keep in touch with the world. I have called more friends and family this week than I have for a long time. I feel I am able to gain that sense of social connection just by hearing a voice and a smile on the other side of the line. 

GO OUTSIDE!

I promise I’m not defying medical advice, but they have noted that they recommended a six foot distance and limit on social gatherings. It felt incredible to walk outside of my apartment to see people exercising on their porch, reading on a stool, and cleaning their yards. I shouted good morning to my neighbor across the street and that was when it hit. Yes, this is all an unfortunate and scary but appreciate the social connections we are still able to have and the resources that are available. Have faith, have hope; we can make it through this. Stay safe!.

While the world is preparing to deal with the health crisis, financial instability and returning to work, it is important to stay optimistic for a better tomorrow. Most nations are currently observing a COVID-19 quarantine which includes social distancing and isolation. While this might seem tough for some, especially the extroverts, here are some tips to make the best of the current situation and to stay positive (not for the virus..hopefully)

Pandemic Perspective: College Students

A lot of people in the states got a lot of plans taken away from us. From college athletes seasons getting cancelled to concerts being postponed. Being a college student during this time is incredibly hard. Personally, I had major community service events canceled. Now, I am unable to give back to my small college town this year. I also had induction ceremonies and senior send offs cancelled. Thankfully, I am not a senior anymore, and I still have a year at my university. However, I know a lot of seniors that will not be able to celebrate any of their “lasts” at college. This pandemic is going through and taking away everything we have all planned. Now, we have to move back home and continue classes in a place we haven’t lived in since high school. If you know a senior in college (or even high school), please reach out to them. Check in with them and see if they need anything. Most are in mourning of the life they were used to. 

Pandemic Perspective: The Family: 

People often think that introverts love staying at home. Although, there is some truth in it, it’s not the staying at home we love, but more of the alone time that we appreciate. I am a part time employee, student and a parent of an adorable 3 year old girl. Normally, my schedule would let me make time for all my responsibilities in a way that I could work in the morning while my daughter went to preschool, attend afternoon classes and focus on being a mom and a wife when we spend time together as a family in the evening.

Currently, my city has issued a stay at home order which means my schedule and responsibilities are all crammed together. I try to work between ignoring my daughter’s requests to play with her, cooking and doing dishes. Sometimes my day leaves me with no time for online school work which means I have to pull an all-nighter to get it done along with some leftover work from the office. As an introvert, alone time helps me recharge and feel relaxed. I try to find that peaceful time when my daughter goes to bed and before I start my night shift to study. 

Extrovert parents have their own struggles. My friend Kate has two children under six. As a bird lover, she and her kids spend most of the day outside. On a normal day, she would take them out to a park and talk about birds, trees and interact with other families and kids in the park. Social distancing has taken a toll on her parenting style as she has to find ways to entertain her kids indoors. Living in an apartment building compared to a house makes it even harder as children are completely confined to the 4 walls of their homes without any chance to play outdoors like a backyard. 

Pandemic Perspective: Children and Routines

Schools and child care centers announced closure at least for another 2-5 weeks depending on the state. This means children do not have a fixed schedule anymore and parents are tested on their multitasking, organizing and patience skills. Whether introvert or extrovert, the hardest part of parenting right now is being able to keep children occupied with educational activities during the day while parents work. I had so many plans when we began the quarantine of how I would sit with her and solve puzzles, watch educational shows and so on, but so far, tv has provided the quintessential peace needed to focus on my work. And parents…that is ok! The most important thing we need to remember right now is that this will pass and we need to stay optimistic. 

Not every family is picture-perfect. There are women and children right quarantined with an abusive parent, spouse or relative, leaving nowhere to hide from the beatings, nowhere to run from being raped and no one to make them feel secure. It is important to remember that help is still a phone call away. 

Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 to get help. Georgia state residents can seek help by calling 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836). For more information, click here.

Also, search for local organizations that are helping women, men and children in such situations, keep their contact handy. If you know someone who is in a similar situation, please keep in touch with them, reach out to make sure they are doing ok. Research local communities that are helping out and let them know of the individual as well. 

Tips for making the best of things during this time: 

Introspection and self-care:

This is a great time to focus on yourself. Take a step back into self-reflection and meditation. Dust off that list of things that you were putting off for years. Maybe this includes learning a new skill, writing a journal/book or learning a new language. All these are achievable through the internet. 

Family bonding:

While children are probably happy to stay home from school, parents are facing a hard challenge to balance working from home, household chores and parenting. Use this time to bond with your family. Create schedules for work and family time to help balance both. Talk to your children about boundaries. Set rules to help them understand why their parents are on the computer or phone all day. Set time aside for family bonding through family activities like:

• cooking meals together
• board games/video games
• watching movies together
• Turn on the music and get silly.

We may remember this time as horrid. However, our kids can remember them as fun times they had with their parents.

Community reaches out:

We all are currently facing a fear of uncertainty, some of us more than the others. Check-in on your neighbor, family, and friends. Reach out to the vulnerable people in the community. This includes the elderly, individuals with disability, and women who are pregnant or just had a baby. Offer help with groceries and medical needs. Donate to food banks and relief funds to help those who are in need.

Social connectivity:

Stay connected on social media, share your experiences, suggestions to help people cope. If you have interest and talent in media and arts, this is a great time to shine. Use your talent to create home videos, vlogs, memes to share some positivity. 

Gratitude:

While most of us are getting to avoid the virus by working from home or staying at home. Workers in other industries are not as lucky. The industries include:

• healthcare
• law enforcement
• public service
• logistics
• warehouse
• grocery
• pharmacy
• retail chains

All of these people are risking their well being every single day by exposing themselves to the illness. It is important that we come together as a community and let these heroes know that they have our gratitude. Leave the mailman a thank you note next time he/she picks up your mail. Use twitter and other social platforms to express your gratitude. 

The point is..we all are in the same boat, regardless of religion, color, financial status and nationality. COVID-19 is affecting all of us. Help others by observing quarantine rule. Also, reach out to help those in need by using non-contact communication like the internet. 

Conclusion

Introverts have mastered the art of self isolation through self reflection and  appreciation of lone time. In short, they have already mastered the art of “social distancing”. For more on the introvert’s guide to social distancing, please click here. This would be a great time to take some lessons from these elusive but thoughtful beings.

Society has favored extroversion since they are needed for their skills. . Currently, being an extrovert is tough because they have to adapt to a whole different environment. For extroverts, here are few tips on how you can stay connected during social distancing.

We are living in a time where everyone in the world can relate to the same situation. This is true regardless of race, nationality, gender, personality, or family status. There will be days when we feel overwhelmed. Some days will make us feel grateful, and some will feel redundant and purposeless.

However, we must remember that this stage is temporary. We will be able to resume our “normal” lives once the situation improves. Until then, pick up that phone and call your friend. Ask your neighbors how they are doing, Check on the vulnerable and socialize virtually. We can get through this, and we will. But, we will only get through this by coming together and supporting each other. 

Safe Harbor International Ministries is teaming up with local agencies in Atlanta to make face mask covers for first responders and medical staff. It has been very hard for front-liners who are forced to wear the same face mask days at a time, or even weeks. By making face mask covers, this will help with maintaining the longevity of the masks they are using. To help us with this mission, you can donate materials by calling us at 404-692-3245, or donate online for us to purchase supplies.

Written by Sarah Washington, Lyza Klein, administration interns, and Ann Rollo, HR intern at Safe Harbor International Ministries. Edited by Bethany Fischer, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.