I do wonder what the longterm psychological impact may be from the message we're sending younger kids during the pandemic. Don't go outside! It's dangerous outside!
Beware of everybody you see. Everybody you see may be dangerous! Every adult may be the carrier of an invisible disease that will kill you if you get too close.
Your playmates may be dangerous to you. They may be carriers.
Your brothers and sisters may be dangerous to you. Be afraid of sleeping with your brother or sister.
Your parents may be carriers of an invisible disease that will kill you. Be afraid of your parents touching you, hugging you, kissing you, bathing you, stroking your hair, holding you in their arms.
Be afraid at home. Be afraid outside. Be afraid in the park and playground. Be afraid in the front yard and back yard. The invisible disease is stalking you everywhere. Watch your back!
People aren't what they seem. They seem human on the outside, but there's a monster lurking on the inside, using their body as camouflage to ambush you.
Will children shrug this off after the crisis has passed? Or will it seep into their psyche and bedevil their subconscious for years to come?
At the other end of the spectrum, too much social isolation on the elderly could lead to and/or exacerbate loneliness, depression, suicidal ideations. Such as if grandparents can't see or play with their grandkids anymore.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine children feeling guilty that they killed their grandparents because they insisted on kissing them. Imagine that as a secret thought that burdens them day after day. Something which they're too ashamed and afraid to admit to anyone else, even their parents.
ReplyDeleteI'm also concerned about those with mental health issues. I am a Christian who has battled and been sometimes victorious over depression for years. the disruption to my daily life and routines as well as the removal of all means of grace outside of my home (Church, gym, fellowship, the break of sending my kids to school) are debilitating to me and I am aware of my issues. Rates of suicide will go up especially as financial woes set in, child neglect will go up as parents leave children unsupervised and under fed to go work if they can. The toll of this isolation will be much higher than that of the coronavirus if we were just left to fight it, recognize it and allow our immune systems to adjust. (Mickel's Wife)
ReplyDelete@Mickel' Wife, your comments are very insightful. Although it's no substitute for the live hearing of the preaching of the Word, I'd highly recommend you take time to listen to and watch solid sermons online while you and your family are unable to fellowship with your local congregation in person.
ReplyDeleteResources such as monergism.com and Ligonier Ministries are treasure troves of solid, meaty teaching. Also this month Ligonier is offering their monthly publication "Tabletalk Magazine" free. Its title? "Fear". And this issue was already under development and titled before the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Wuhan, China. A providence.
Last but certainly not least be in the Word daily and be much in prayer. God has given His people these means, as well as the indwelling of His Spirit, for our good. Let's avail ourselves to their diligent use.
Share what the Lord is teaching you through this time with your husband and children. Pray for the lost in your family and your circle of friends. Pray for yourself, for God's blessing and encouragement, for His perfect love to cast out your fear.
Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and focus on Him, not on your circumstances. Glance at your circumstances, acknowledge them and you weakness and inability as a fallen-but-redeemed human to deal with them in your own power and cry out to your loving heavenly Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief".
You are not alone.