As an introvert, it baffles me to become lonely. I prefer to stay home, maybe have a couple friends over for dinner and games every few months, but for the most part I am quite comfortable in the company of my family. I become anxious at parties and feel awkward meeting with people.

As I have a history of periodically feeling a confounding emptiness, it does not shock me now to feel now as though I am trudging through thick water with an uncomfortable fog creeping into my thought processes. In between chores and helping the kids with their school work, I catch myself staring longingly out the window; longing for what, I have no clue. I am happy where I am now, grateful to have been laid off from my job at a time I’m needed at home, and when remaining at my job would have put my health at risk. I am madly in love with my husband and laugh often with my children. Yet today I required a one sided inner dialogue, convincing myself not to simply change back into PJs after my post-workout shower. Luckily, having experienced this seemingly unprovoked wave of flat affect, I also know how to, if not snap myself out of it, then to at least prevent myself from sinker lower into the state of stalled motivation.

As impossible as it may seem at the time to carry out the most trivial of tasks, completing them will often take the edge off the dullness. Having the slightest sense of accomplishment may help to rise me up out my mild stupor.

When I catch my self becoming easily irritated, I take deep breaths. At times, realizing the reason I am snapping at the kids for an insignificant discrepancy is because I am off my game, helps me to check my responses to avoid getting angry.

The more challenging emotion that slows me in my tracks is the feeling of disjointedness. My thoughts feel scattered and disorganized, which leads to frustration and irritation. Keeping check lists makes a world of difference and helps me to maintain focused while again giving me a sense of accomplishment as I cross off the completed task.

It seems that during times like we’re in now, when we are experiencing unprecedented events and are forced into seclusion, it may be reassuring to remember that we are not alone. I know there are others confronting fear, confusion, apprehension, loneliness, and frustration.

We are not alone, this will not last forever. We will be stronger as individuals and closer as families, friends and communities. After every storm, no matter how turbulent, the sun will rise again.