Day 111: For When You’re About to Lose It

Day 111: July 15, 2020
Global Cases: 13, 683, 805; Deaths: 586, 199
Egypt Cases: 84, 843; Deaths: 4, 067

Noran Morsi
Multimedia Journalism Alumna 

By this time in quarantine, for those of us still quarantining, it is normal to have gone through hundreds of revelations and a million mood swings by now. I personally can divide the last three+ months into time periods by emotions like it was a lifetime.

I am not the same person I was 110 days ago, by any stretch of the imagination. I started out thankful for the break from the most stressful semester of my life – and ended up trying to quickly pull myself out of a burnout-induced depression before it happens. After much-needed reflection, I realized that I would have probably had a more difficult time if the virus didn’t happen, but that’s just my personal story. Perhaps it’s what I use to make myself feel better. 

Unfortunately, the wait is not over. We’re getting closer, I think, but it’s not over. We still have to protect ourselves and our people. Plus, if you’re a woman on social media today, it can be incredibly exhausting to be reminded of horrific cases of sexual assault daily, despite the hope of justice from it being brought into the light. In short, we all need to break. 

So, I’ve illustrated 20 things to do when you think you’re running out of ideas and on the verge of losing it. It’s what’s been working for me, at least.

These steps may not work for everyone, some are tailored around artists, people who are staying home and aren’t working at an in-person office, or those who are young and don’t have kids. It’s also important to recognize that if you have time to read this article or take the steps mentioned, you’re likely quite privileged.

Recognizing that is an important step and it’s connected to gratitude – a key element in your mental health when you’re about to lose it.

For The Caravan‘s previous diary entries in Arabic and English go to our COVID-19 Special Coverage page.

Most importantly though, no guide or cute illustration will know you better than yourself. Laying in bed might be the only thing you want to do when you’re “about to lose it”. So, listen to your body and your mind. But, if you’re running out of ideas, I sure have got you covered!

Stay safe, stay sane.