One thing I can admit, I am on the fence with the social distancing and stay at home guidelines. I can see both sides of the issue, but I still get upset when people refuse to follow the rules while out. Wearing a mask while out in public has nothing to do with civil liberties, it is just common courtesy. Wearing a mask is like wearing clothes, we do not let folks go out naked, and do not call the requirement to wear clothing a threat to civil liberties, how is requiring masks a threat to your civil liberties, so look at a mask clothing. In my opinion if everyone would just wear a mask while out this whole thing would probably go away quicker. I know it is uncomfortable to wear a mask and it is a pain in the butt, but to those who have of have loved ones with compromised immune system it can be life or death. If you choose to not wear a mask you are not only putting your health in danger, you are putting me and my loved ones in danger too.I recently wrote a column about how the shelter in place order has been helpful to some with PTSD. But it is a struggle for others, especially those who suffer from depression, moral injury, and survivors’ guilt. Depression is a key element to PTSD and suicide, and what helps the most is socialization and exercise. The covid -19 pandemic has put a stop to both which is a problem for a lot of people who suffer from PTSD and depression.
As a mental health professional, I understand that the stay at home order is a struggle for us as humans. We are hard wired for connection and it is important to be around others for our mental health. Another important part to having good mental health is exercise, especially for those with PTSD and depression. That is why the comments made by the gym owner in Victorville caught my attention, he is correct in his assessment surrounding mental health and the need to work out.
As I was listening to the reasons the gym owner opened his gym, I thought to myself, he is right. Those with PTSD need an outlet, and often it is the gym is that outlet to keep them mentally healthy. Folks with PTSD need to have a release, and for many it is exercise. The ability to utilize a punching bag, run, lift weights, and personal exercise regiments are key to handling their frustration and anger issues. With the parks closed and feeling trapped at home it is a struggle for some and can cause them to have thoughts of suicide. Loneliness increases the thoughts of suicide for folks suffering from PTSD and depression. Where the stay at home orders are beneficial for some veterans, it can be a struggle for others. It is possible to open society back up, but we must follow the science and the rules.
Social distancing and wearing a mask are the key to safely opening society back up. It is true that this is not 100% effective, but it is a start. We cannot depend on the government, either state or federal to do what needs to be done. If you do not want the government in your life do what you need to do, social distance and wear a mask. If we can prove its possible to be responsible citizens, the economy will open back up using modifications. The key is following guidelines, it might be painful, but it will help our mental health. You have the right to protest, but you also have the responsibility to put society first. The inconvenience of wearing a mask and distancing yourself from others will help with completing the task you want to accomplish, opening businesses and going back to work. We must reach back to our time in the military and utilize the discipline we had to survive this mess. We all will need to modify our behavior to get back to work and some semblance of normal.
Lack of human contact is a struggle. In fact, we all need the human interaction. I believe what some did in Orange county once the beaches opened is going to set us back and keep us stuck in our homes longer. I will not feel totally safe until there is a vaccine or a proven treatment for this virus. I will continue to take precautions for myself, my family, my friends, and my fellow humans. Please do the same!