I’m Feeling Less Anxious About COVID-19 Now, But Nothing Seems Logical Anymore

A year ago, when our school district shifted to a hybrid learning model, we chose to stick with full-time remote education. Fast forward to now, and despite case numbers in our county nearly doubling compared to last year, I confidently sent my kids back to in-person school without much thought.

It seems illogical, doesn’t it? We possess more information today, and one of my children is vaccinated, with my younger son set to receive his shot soon (fingers crossed for that approval!). We’ve learned that the risk of transmission in schools is relatively low when safety measures like universal masking are adhered to. Plus, 75% of our family is vaccinated. Yet, applying logic to the situation reveals a confusing reality.

Last year, when case numbers were lower, I didn’t allow my unvaccinated children to socialize indoors or dine out, even in outdoor settings. Yet, now we engage in all those activities. It really doesn’t add up.

Yes, we’re fully vaccinated, as are most of our close contacts—at least I hope so. But what about the kids under 12? They still aren’t vaccinated. How do we make sense of that?

While we have a better understanding of safety now, my decision-making largely stems from pandemic fatigue mixed with gut instincts. I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, having tasted a semblance of normal life only to see it disrupted again by the Delta variant and the large number of unvaccinated individuals. It’s not as simple as reverting back to our previous pandemic habits. The toothpaste is out of the tube, so to speak.

Currently, I navigate life in a haze of anxiety and confusion, often second-guessing every decision. For parents of unvaccinated children, it feels like an unsolvable equation.

“Should I let my child attend a playdate? Let me check the case rates and pediatric hospitalization numbers, then weigh that against the impact of social isolation on my child’s happiness,” noted Mia Carter in a recent article.

I completely understand the mental gymnastics involved in everyday choices. For instance, one of my kids wants to play mini-golf with friends today. Sounds safe, right? Outdoors, vaccinated friends—yet I still worry about the staff and other patrons. Are they vaccinated? It’s a mystery. I could suggest he wear a mask, but once he’s out of sight, we know how that goes.

My husband and I have established some guidelines to inform our choices, but mostly, my responses to COVID-related decisions depend on my mood and instincts—none of which feel particularly logical right now.

Even my emotional state is puzzling. I spent a significant part of the last year anxious, yet now, I find myself surprisingly less so. I wouldn’t call it calm, but my anxiety levels have dropped compared to last year when case rates were lower. It appears I’m not alone in this feeling.

“I would’ve expected this renewed uncertainty to heighten my anxiety, akin to my feelings during most of 2020,” Carter wrote. “But instead, I feel numb, overwhelmed by statistics and choices, unable to feel anything beyond a state of emotional paralysis.”

Many of us are struggling, both mentally and emotionally. Our internal mechanisms seem to be misfiring. Some parents may overestimate risks, while others simply shut down due to “psychic numbing.”

Sometimes, it feels like we’re free-falling, strapped into a chaotic roller coaster ride with no end in sight. The uncertainty is unsettling and, if pondered too deeply, terrifying.

To regain some control, experts advise consulting trusted sources and aligning decisions with personal values. While that’s certainly helpful, I find comfort in knowing I’m not alone in this bewildering state of confusion.

We remain entrenched in this “nothing makes sense” phase of the pandemic, and just like the earlier days of collective uncertainty, this too shall pass. Though I currently doubt my decision-making skills, I trust they will return. In the meantime, I’ll rely on the guidance of experts and good old gut feelings.

For further insights on navigating these times, check out our post on home insemination or visit Make a Mom for authoritative information. For a deeper understanding of the topic, refer to the Wikipedia page on artificial insemination.

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In summary, the experience of navigating life during the pandemic has led to a sense of confusion and fatigue. Parents, especially of unvaccinated children, are grappling with decisions that often seem illogical, relying on a mix of expert advice and their instincts to cope with this ongoing situation.

Keyphrase: COVID-19 decision-making in families

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