A couple of months ago, I had little energy, my thoughts were negative, and I felt sad. I thought it might be the start of a depressive episode, but my psychiatrist told me I was suffering from “Covid Fatigue.” She explained the cumulative effect of the isolation and reduced interaction with people has led to people feeling down but she assured me I was not suffering from the physical symptoms of a bipolar depressive episode.
Had it been a bipolar depressive episode, I would have exercised a little more and made sure I kept eating to combat the poor appetite I experience. Implementing these two strategies prevents my depressive episodes from getting worse and they do not last as long. Although “Covid Fatigue” could lead to poor life choices that could trigger a depressive episode it is a psychological problem which requires a different type of intervention.
The main issue for me has been the impact Covid-I9 has had on my routine. I volunteer at the Kerby Centre, a centre that supports seniors. I find helping seniors rewarding and working with the positive staff fills my emotional need for positive interactions with people. The Kerby Centre is still providing important support to seniors via the phone, online and food delivery but the building is closed which means I am not needed at the moment.
My psychiatrist said we needed to add some activities to my life to help me stay psychologically healthy during the pandemic. After doing some brainstorming we decided that crochet and baking bread would be the answer. It is no coincident that these are two of her favourite activities. I am glad she is not into skeet shooting and gymnastics because I do not think those activities would be a fit for me.
Learning to crochet was frustrating at first but, now I find it relaxing and rewarding. I have made gifts for people which makes me feel good and it is helping me stay positive because my thoughts are occupied by making stitches. When I start to have negative thoughts, I make mistakes which take awhile to fix. Crochet is helping me train myself to focus on the present moment.
In the last few weeks, I have been attempting to make bread and it has been a challenge. My first attempt was edible but very dense. When I added all the flour that the recipe called for the dough became dry and the bread came out crumbly. I talked to a friend who bakes and she told me she just adds flour until the dough ” feels right.” I had no idea how to make dough that “feels right” but after watching a YouTube video I managed to make a loaf of bread I enjoyed eating.
The brain power I used to figure out how to bake bread was a nice break from thinking about life during Covid-l9 and I am still doing crochet. I am grateful that this trying time has given me these two new skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. If you would like to add bread making to your repertoire of life skills, I have included the instructions and recipe that I used below.
Well done, Allan! I’m glad you’re making bread and enjoying it! The distinction between Bipolar depression and Covid- fatigue is one that I am sure many people will find useful. And thanks for the recipe!!!
Thank you Elaine. That would be great if it helps people understand the difference. Good luck with bread!
Lol the part where you said you’re glad your doctor is not into gymnastics made me laugh !!
Hi Allan
Congrats for making a loaf of bread !!! Wow !!
I’ve been making cabbage rolls and learning how to use my moms instant pot lol
I’ve never been into cooking but I do find it helps keep me focused and I’m enjoying myself!!
I agree Covid Fatigue is real. People are suffering and really do have to try something new to distract themselves from worrisome thoughts etc
Thank you once again for a fun article. I always enjoy reading your blogs
Enjoy a slice of fresh bread 🍞 !!! And way to go !!!!!!
Thank you for the kind comments Annette 🙂
Great recipe! Thanks to Kaj for last week’s post here on mixed states, now listed on this site under “Recent Posts.”
Thank you Sue. I really appreciate that Kaj came on my podcast. It seems to have helped quite a few people.
Great Article Allan. Thanks for all you do in these blogs.
Thank you Patty 🙂
Thanks for the great insight Allan! I’ve been golfing lately, which has been great for me mentally!
Thanks Brad. I’m glad you are enjoying playing golf.