Lockdown

A Curse or a Blessing?

We’re over four weeks in and we appear to have several more weeks ahead of being prisoners in our homes. The coronavirus pandemic is the most globally overwhelming and devastating event in generations, and here we are, right in the midst of it. Trying to cope, trying to stay normal, trying to avoid infection. It’s mind-blowing, at so many levels.

One of all the remarkable notes to make is how most of us not only obey but also deeply believe in the authorities guiding us through this. Each country and subsequent pandemic authority (typically the local government together with their set of health/epidemology experts) has gone down different routes in how to handle the disaster, and everywhere to a large extent people appear to truly trust the advice/recommendations/instructions given (with some exceptions of course). From military enforced curfews on the one extreme, via different views on face mask worn in public, light or severe restrictions on gatherings and travel, all the way to countries like Sweden, who doesn’t think this is anything to make a big fuss about at all… and everyone there seemingly accepting that, and believing it and defending it. In Sweden, schools are open, along with shops, restaurants and bars. People go to work and their many different activities, and although life has changed for some, and some businesses are struggling, life pretty much goes on as normal. The death rate per capita appears to be about the same as in the UK. How can that be? And why is nobody questioning the different strategies more?

Is it cultural?

In Spain, one doctor was so upset about the thousands of elderly dying unnecessarily due to the lack of ventilators, he used the word genocide to describe the situation and reminded us that these people have built the country – should we really let them down at the end of their lives? Spanish authorities are doing what they can to stop the spread and save lives by enforced lockdown for weeks on end, to a huge cost to future generations and the economy. Meanwhile, in Sweden, democracy as ideology is so strong and powerful that it is inscribed in the law that nobody can instruct the people what to do. A law not easily modified. And with a population generally known for being pragmatic and rational, it’s also not incorrect or offensive to state that elderly and vulnerable people will die each year anyways due to seasonal flu – and a country can’t shut down only to perhaps save a few of them… It is also in Sweden highly correct to mention that the mental wellbeing of future generations along with economic stability is what’s important at this time.

I’m totally puzzled by these extreme differences in approach, attitude, and trust. And of course the death rates. I don’t get it. Only time will tell this curse’s outcome in our different societies. My initial anger and frustration over democratic/ignorance vs. autocratic/over-reaction has calmed down to a passive surrendering trust in my authorities. They say: “Stay in your house, even if it will drive you and everyone around you absolutely mad. Let’s start with a few weeks, and we’ll think about whether to extend that for weeks longer or maybe months, just enough for everyone to lose their jobs and sanity.” And I obey. I stay in.

Regarding the impact on mental health, I can see the arguments against lockdown clearly making sense. You’re trapped inside with all the potential friction applied in that confined space and defined set of relationships; any normal self-fulfillment is on hold, and worries about finance and health can be overpowering. But if I scrutinize my inner self, and if I try to gauge what’s actually going on deep inside the souls of fellow lockdowners, I secretly wonder if this is the break we have all needed.

Stop the race against time, age, beauty, careers, missed trains, missed lunch, late pickup, and whoever won last week’s bragging about seeing their children the least!

Just breathe..

Pause.

Not knowing when it will all pick up again. Is actually a blessing. There’s nothing in the calendar, everything is on hold. I’m now locked in with three young children, partner and pet. At the end of each one of these crazy days living on top of each other I find it almost a miracle everyone is still alive. But equally, the time we now spend together as a family is a miracle in itself. There may be friction, but at least we’re together. In it together.

As of my civil duty, and remarkably also as of trust in my local authorities, I respect and believe in the current lockdown to do what we can to save lives. I will seize this unique opportunity to let one part of me go mad while the other will do the only thing there is to do – just be.