Triggers 2

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about specific triggers I had identified for myself during these pandemic times: remembering what life used to be like, and certain phrases like "the new normal," "thriving" and "when this is all over." 

You ever notice when other people are triggered? I recently noticed this happen with others, so I wanted to share some of those observations here.

"Happy Friday"

On November 7, BC's Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry instituted public health orders for the Lower Mainland. These were meant to be in effect until November 23, and applicable to only two health authorities: Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health. But as case counts continued to be high, she then extended those orders and added more; that happened on November 19, this past Thursday. These orders are to remain until December 3 and apply across the province. 

New orders are in place to help everyone in BC significantly reduce their social interactions and to stop #Covid19 from spreading in our province.

The following orders and direction are in effect: (1/3) pic.twitter.com/65YT6lFbDP

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 20, 2020

On Friday, a day after these new orders went into effect, I said "Happy Friday" over the phone to a work colleague - just a casual, passing remark, I thought. I don't recall his exact words, but the response involved some sarcasm and a comment along the lines of "What's so good about it? Yay for a weekend where we can't go anywhere or do anything." 

Note to self: stop saying "Happy Friday" to this co-worker. (He did apologize later via email for being so grumpy. But honestly, I totally get the grouchiness! Makes sense to me.)  

Public health orders, in general

Whenever new orders are handed down these days, people in general seem to get more ornery as usual. Remember at the beginning of the pandemic, where we were all at home and there were murals painted, celebrating Dr. Bonnie Henry and our health care workers, and people stood in their driveways or on their balconies at 7 PM every night to cheer for the essential workers? That feeling of "we are all in this together"? 

Yah. That goodwill is gone now. 

New public health orders? No more group fitness classes? Restricted travel across the region? No socializing at restaurants? No watching my kids' sports activities? The general response: "This is bullshit!"    

The terms "families" and "households" as used by the Government of BC and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (and many other officials across the country and beyond)

Since the start of the pandemic, public officials have often been referring to "families" and "households" when providing orders and direction on the pandemic, in complete disregard for anyone who does not "fit" the model of having a partner or being part of a nuclear family.

If you refer to "families" and "households" every time there's a new guideline or rule, but struggle to quickly answer questions about people who live alone, that's poor communicating.

Especially after people have been bringing it up for eight months. https://t.co/o2insoY0RM

— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) November 8, 2020

There has been much angst on this shared by singletons across social media these past eight months - and quite rightly, too. In my humble opinion, while this may have been an unintentional oversight by public health officials, this was never okay. Our local media picked up on this awhile back, and began to ask clarifying questions in the press briefings. Thankfully, Dr. Henry's office seems to have recently rectified this slight in communication, now providing direction for those who may be living alone, in addition to those co-habitating with others. 

Christmas lights, decorations, songs, etc. in November

A friend shared this on Facebook today. Agree? Disagree?

This has always been a trigger for many people, with the argument that November is simply too early to be starting Christmas festivities. However, while this annual trigger remains, it does seem that even the Grinches are letting it slide a little this year. 

Rather than seeing premature holiday decorators being chided for putting up their Christmas trees "too soon," I've noticed only gentle teasing on social media. Clearly, many are recognizing the need for anything - anything! - that might bring even the smallest amounts of joy to people right now. 

These are hard times, for sure - and I certainly don't blame anyone right now for being triggered over one thing or another! Hope you're all still hanging in there and staying healthy... and not being triggered too badly. 

So important to check in with your feelings.
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