Life on Repeat
Many people can say that they have experienced a moment, or maybe even many moments, in which life started to feel too overwhelming and exhausting. One recent event in which this happened for many individuals was when the pandemic started in 2020, for life changed for everyone in a myriad of ways. Adults started working from home and kids started doing virtual school. Some families struggled financially due to less work or even the loss of employment, not to mention the loss of many lives. And while this change in lifestyle was different and new and even fun for some at first, over time, this started to get boring, redundant, and downright stressful. Humans are social creatures with a need for some level of structure and this changed routine soon ran its course.
Many mental health providers noticed the following during, or shortly after, this time: 1) people who have not previously experienced anxiety or depression began to for the first time and 2) if there was any level of anxiety or depression before, the pandemic and isolation that came with this made these mental health struggles intensify. Mild anxiety became agoraphobia and intense social anxiety while mild depression heightened to suicidal ideation for some individuals.
Maybe you can relate in some kind of way? Or maybe you have a child who was struggling during or after the pandemic? Now life feels almost back to “normal” but some people still struggle with the feeling that life is on repeat or boring at times. Things might still feel “too much” in general or too much like the day before - even two years after the start of the pandemic! There’s a great swing, even now, from one end of being understimulated or overstimulated on a daily basis depending on the individual.
There may be a few reasons for why these feelings remain for some individuals. One, they may have something going on medically that needs to be examined by a doctor. Two, they are living passively, watching the days go by without actively living. (Some may say that they are “surviving, not thriving.”) Or three, their daily routine is the same and every day melts into the next. In other words, life for some individuals with anxiety or depression is like those struggling during the pandemic.
For those struggling, there are a few methods to try to get out of this under or overstimulated cycle! First, it is important to be seen by a medical provider to rule out any physical issues. If your brain feels cloudy or overwhelmed, talk things out or write things down! You can make lists and prioritize them, allowing yourself some grace and validation. Sometimes dumping the contents of your mind onto a blank page is just what the doctor ordered. You can do some deep breathing and visualize your favorite memory or favorite place (remember to focus on the details and your senses!) Try to take a break from social media and the internet reminding you how you “should” be living and overly romanticizing life – even if just small breaks like not scrolling right after you wake up or right before bed. If every day runs into itself on loop, you can create some structure for your daily routine and even add in some new things that help to soothe the need to break that cycle. The “new things” could be something like joining a book club or a sport, spending time with friends and family, or finding a new hobby to challenge yourself. And finally, remember to take care of your basic needs and hygiene!
If you make the effort and changes and still find yourself struggling - seek out mental health professionals who can help support you and offer alternative ideas based on your interests!
- Ciera Canaday, LCSW
Clinical Director and Psychotherapist