Pandemic Fatigue

Dear Campus Community,

Moving into the seventh month of the coronavirus pandemic, many are experiencing its impact in new ways. Unlike a short-term disaster, pandemics stretch out without a clear “end,” and living with the uncertainty can be unsettling and draining over time.

And yet, as I walk around campus, I’m struck with how well we’ve adapted – wearing our masks, keeping distance – and how lively the quads can be. It’s actually pretty amazing. For many of us, though, “pandemic fatigue” may be setting in. It’s been a long haul, and shorter winter days are upon us. Our internal resources are depleted and we need to restore our energy, but it’s harder to “dig deep.”

Know the Signs

It’s important to look out for signs that you and those around you may be struggling. Signs of concern include:

• Weariness or fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty focusing and being “productive”
• Trouble eating and sleeping regularly
• Lack of motivation
• Depressed or anxious mood
• Becoming withdrawn

What to Do

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know many others are struggling, too!  Restore your reserves and improve your physical and mental health with any of the following:

• Take a walk
• Read a book
• Create something
• Connect with friends or family via phone or video
• Unplug from social media
• Eat a healthy meal
• Pet an animal
• Disconnect from the news cycle
• Reach out to a mental health provider
• Register for online self-help (free for Montclair State students, faculty and staff!) at CAPS TAO Self-Help

Do the least challenging things on your to-do list first and remind yourself that this is temporary and will pass eventually, but you need to conserve some energy for the continued challenge ahead.

Contact for Help

For those dealing with stress, anxiety and depression, please contact Montclair State’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at 973-655-5211 during business hours or New Jersey Mental Health Care Helpline at 866-202-HELP.

We’ll get through this together by actively helping ourselves and one another. Reach out!

Jaclyn Friedman-Lombardo
Director, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)