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Pandemic fatigue is real,
and you’re not alone
Posted on January 14, 2022
by maxsullivan2
We’re all tired. We’re all stressed, unsure of what lies
ahead. It’s been nearly two years since the COVID-19
pandemic upended our lives, and it’s getting old. The re-
sult? Pandemic fatigue – a mixed bag of emotions and
behaviors that leaves us feeling just not ourselves. It takes
a notable toll on both our mental and physical health. We
talked with psychiatrist and Oregon Health Authority se-
nior health advisor Dr. Margaret “Meg” Cary about pan-
demic fatigue, its effects and what we can do about it.
OHA: What is pandemic fatigue and what causes it?
MC: “COVID fatigue, fundamentally, is the natural re-
sponse to prolonged, all-encompassing stress that de-
mands our emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual
energy. The stress comes from what we are experienc-
ing, as well as from the emotional and cognitive energy
required to continually respond to uncertainty and chang-
ing circumstances. The pandemic has resulted in losses.
Grieving is a whole body, mind, spirit process that ex-
hausts us even though it also eventually helps us heal.”
541-575-1263
235 S Canyon Blvd. John Day, Oregon 97845
Accepting new Patients! Go to:
www.canyoncreekclinic.com
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Zachary Bailey, MD
Janessa Sickler, DO
Emily Lieuallen, DO
James Cook, FNP
Erika Adams, FNP-C
Caitlin MacCoun, MD
Brian Jennings, MD
Robyn Jennings, MD
OHA: What can we do for others who may be suffering pandemic fatigue?
MC: “Check in with yourself and others. If you have some emotional reserves, are in a time
when you are rejuvenated, check in and just be an ear and a friend to what they are experi-
encing. Reach out, ask how you can be a support or make your best guess. And if you are
concerned about it, ask about suicidal thoughts. Asking will not put the idea in someone’s
mind and it can be a lifesaving way to take the idea out of their minds. If you are interested
in increasing your skills, consider taking Mental Health First Aid Oregon (MHFA Oregon)
course or signing up for mental health training.”
Dr. Margaret Cary, MD, MPH, is a senior health advisor
for Oregon Health Authority.
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