Don't feel like the Lone Rangers with this Pandemic. It is affecting everyone, especially those with depression and anxiety issues. We have to deal with it the best we can and do what we can to try and stay focused on the future. I know that is easier said than done in this mess. I too have dealt with this too. I was diagnosed with depression in 1995. I am currently doing odd jobs around the house and helping others with things they need doing that I can do for them. Fixing steps. moving furniture, painting doors, hanging pictures, and whatever they need to be done. Hang in there. we are all in this together.

Hi thetiny',

I'm sorry that this is all hard for you (pandemic) and for your boyfriend. I see you both as good soldiers though. As a matter of fact, my grocery store experiences have won numerous gold medals in consideration of those thoughtful and helpful employees and managers. I know that the hours are long and it takes steady energy requirements to work the best. Yet this is high humidity for all of us during this COVID-19 outbreak; things will never be the same or normal again because we will never outgrow our history or histories. And our ability to get through these times ahead is to find and use the most important personal skills available while staying in the present too.

Have you considered supportive therapy by connecting with other work partners? Surely this is a turn of life for others you work with. I imagine the still small voices that whisper around you day by day have similar experiences with health and emotions much like with you. I'd find a way to reach out to your peers. And possibly management may determine other ways to take the pressure of your duties seriously. I do believe that many essential businesses are working around the clock to assure the safety of consumers and the workforce of employees. I've seen this!

Do not hesitate to seek help. A phone call to your doctor is a good idea too. If it helps you to know this, I admire your character :-)

You have choices - take advantage of what's best for you.

Best always.

I understand what you are going through. I too am essential and working really long hours in unsafe conditions. It's really hard.
Try to get as much sleep and rest as possible. Try to set your bedtime as early as you can stand it. I find sleep to be the best healer for pretty much everything.
I was diagnosed with clinic depression at 12 years old too but am much older than you.
you can get through this. you're not alone. put yourself first as much as you can, wear your mask, wash your hands and pamper yourself as much as possible when you are off work.

I absolutely agree, the people who work in the grocery stores and essential need places are THE HEROES. First question is there any way we can recognize their tremendous dedication and sacrifice. I once left a thank you card.

I do think things are getting better, and we will have a vaccine reasonably soon.

First, THANK YOU for you and your boyfriend being a frontline worker for the last 2 1/2 months. I can see how you can be drained and exhausted. I can also how your mental health can challenged at the time. How are you handling or dealing with it other than work? Do you attend church and or speak with a counselor? Your mental health is so important, as you know. Try to find ways to take care of yourself to bring light back into your eyes. I know you also mentioned you suffer from chronic depression. Are you taking any medicine? This is a hard time for many but we need to lean on each other and have faith it will get better. I pray that you will have peace, rest and joy in your heart, as well as able to rely on the Lord to lead and protect you during these times.

I can't imagine the stress that has been put on you through this and I tip my hat to you for having the fortitude to keep doing it. There are so many people in my area that quit and left our stores high and dry, putting more pressure on their remaining workers. Other places their workers just never came back. Thank you for having the courage and strength to stay and help those around you, I know it's rough, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is coming soon

I know how you feel-- I work in a pharmacy so my line of work is also considered essential, and it's been incredibly stressful and exhausting. I think what Anna says is good advice, and I really like Remiah's suggestion of looking for help in the mental health area. A lot of places are doing telehealth right now. These are definitely tough times, but what helps me right now is knowing that we're all in this together and that what I'm doing is helping others. I know it's not much, but it's something.

My Grandson is working at a grocery store and he said he makes him feel like he is really helping though this.He as well received a promotion at work. He also said that when he goes to the lunchroom it's not unusual to hear someone cry,since covid. One of the employees actually had covid but they caught it asap and sent her home. She survived.The stress is hard right now for Everyone.I know many young people can forget they are human but right now i know they know it.(HUGS)