SPECIAL REPORT
COVID FATIGUE
When will this all end?
Words by: Elaine Fisher
A
s far as I know I’ve not come into contact with the Covid-19 virus, in its many guises, but nonetheless it’s succeeded to insidiously infect me and just about everyone in New Zealand in another way. I think the majority of us are suffering from ‘Covid Fatigue’ or ‘Covid Anxiety’. Feelings of “I’m over it” and “when will this all end?”, nervousness and uncertainty are common to us all, even for those of us lucky enough not to live in a lockdown zone – where it must be so much worse. I’ve tried to resist consulting ‘Uncle Google’ about my symptoms but I did promise The Dairy Exporter editor Jackie Harrigan I’d write about Covid fatigue, so I 54
poured a strong cup of coffee (probably not a good idea really) and began the search. It appears Covid Fatigue or pandemic fatigue for those not actually infected with the virus is very real and people around the world have been experiencing it since 2020. Researchers report people feeling demotivated about following recommended behaviours to protect themselves and others from the virus. Finding effective ways to tackle this fatigue and reinvigorate public vigilance is a growing challenge as the crisis continues. The problem is that while the Government and health agencies try to advise us about and protect us from infection, the way they do it is so invasive. Those yellow, white and black Covid hazard lines are everywhere, along with QR codes, face masks and the annoying voice of the woman on TV and radio adds… “this is a Covid-19 announcement…” I think she’s now been swapped out for a man but as I turn the volume down, I’m not sure. Covid cases, deaths, new lockdown restrictions or easing are the biggest news stories each day – unless they are eclipsed by a tragic murder or car crash. Talk back radio (which I refused to listen to) is full of it, so is social media – which I also refuse to engage in. Add to all that visual and audio ‘noise’ is isolation from work, from loved ones and serious
Elaine FIsher finds getting out in nature helps to settle the Covid fatigue and anxiety.
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | December 2021
