Blog
Shouting at the Wind?
When describing Mental Health, extended metaphors fly around like dinghies in a gale.
The metaphor above certainly resonates with me. It has an implicit reference to the idea that our perspectives and contexts play a critical factor in how we're dealing with the pandemic; or deal with anything, for that matter.
We can take metaphors like this to the Nth degree. What is a good “boat” to be in during this Covid Storm? Which materials form the fabric of the most sturdy vessels? Whether we believe that economics, familial support, a specific outlook (or a range of other factors!) form the basis of out mental armour against the pandemic and all of its challenges, the metaphor holds true. We can help strengthen each others’ boats, but this won’t speed up the storm.
My children often provide me with a model outlook which at least gives me a starting point to approach a challenge or something that is getting me down. My son has struggled, in his own way, with being indoors more often, and not seeing his friends and family. But he has never blamed anyone. So when I’m Boris-blaming, how well am I showing my children how to attend to their own boats, rather than complain about the weather?
Everyone that I have spoken to has said that this latest lockdown has been tougher and more isolating than any previous renditions, but maybe that’s because we’re all approaching it with worn out boats and a tiring crew.
As we move towards a position where we can leave this storm in our wake, I’ll be actively looking to see where I can help people mend the damage inflicted over the last year. I’ll try and remember what my son has taught me and focus on the repairing, rather than shouting at the wind.
