Essay: It's Okay to Feel Like Shit Right Now

By Rebel Tipton

Not to point out the obvious, but the world has gone to shit. If your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak feels like the equivalent of thirty landfills, you're not alone. The CDC reports that bizarre sleep patterns, heightened anxiety and depression, chronic illness flare-ups, and changes in eating habits are all totally normal reactions to living in the middle of a pandemic. Just in case you still don't believe me, here's why feeling like shit right now is totally okay.

Everything is Uncertain​
If you're the type of human who needs routine, consistency, and predictability, this whole ordeal is probably a nightmare for you — which is fucking understandable! And even if you aren't, this is still a very scary situation. Your body is constantly anticipating the possibility of a threat at all times. ​The threat is an invisible moocher trying to move in with all of their cloned best friends.

​So next time Brad tells you that the virus "isn't that bad", hire a mariachi band that hires another mariachi band until his entire apartment is filled with the sweet sound of his screaming.

Life is on Hold
Vacations, school, graduations, new life chapters, and big opportunities have one thing in common: they're probably on pause because of COVID-19. It's frustrating to work hard on something for so long only for it to be pushed back or cancelled. Same with fun plans! Nothing is too insignificant to count as a total bummer this summer (yeah, I rhymed that on purpose, what are you gonna do about it???).

But what we can control is the way we approach our disappointment and healing. It's fine if you don't learn 5+ new skills. Focus on what brings you little moments of happiness, because that is still a revolutionary act. 

We're Living Through So Much History
Did you ever want to be an American Girl doll character or say, "Wow, it would be so cool to live through significant historical events!"? Well, Kit and Molly didn't quite capture the absolute despair and dread my ass has felt these past few months. I feel scammed, and you probably do too. 

But history can't be fully explored in six short volumes of a girl's journey through major events. Your experience is still a valid experience, even if you don't get to have a commemorative doll in your honor. So do what you need to do, even if it means unplugging from the internet for a bit to limit your exposure to history in the making.