Anna S . giving presentation on The Happiness Project over Zoom
Families and the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have an impact on mental health even when it is over . In addition to the threat of infection itself , there is the worry and fear for others , the stressful protective measures , and the increased burden of care for the young , old , and frail . Further factors that decrease our well-being are uncertainty , financial problems , frustration , boredom , and physical separation from close people .
Researchers in many countries have identified women and younger people to be especially subject to depression , anxiety , stress symptoms such as sleep disorders and intrusive thoughts , anticipatory worry , and grief . Women and girls are responsible for 75 % of unpaid domestic work worldwide . In Western countries , the hypocrisy economy flourishes — on the one hand , women are empowered to work outside their homes ; on the other hand , they are still obliged to secondshift commitments such as caring for children and older members of their families . Many women during COVID-19 are stuck between two worlds , unable to provide family care and still meet their job expectations .
Schools in most European countries did not adjust to homeschooling . Only in Sweden and Italy were comprehensive digital platforms available for teenagers prior to the pandemic . Homeschooling strain increased domestic conflict between parents and and children ;
parents with younger children suffered more than parents of older children . Compared to Sweden , Spain , Belgium , the Netherlands , and Italy , German children spent the least amount of time in teaching webinars and working in small peer groups , and they required more parental support in terms of time . At the same time , the pandemic underlined the importance of social connection for older generations . According to the World Happiness Report , respondents over 60 experienced more support during the pandemic from neighbors and via Zoom , resulting in fewer complaints about health and somewhat better well-being assessment than in previous years .
We need to take care of ourselves now . Being women , mothers , and caregivers makes us more reactive to stress . What can we do ? Accept that we live in challenging times , give yourself a break , 1 – 3 minutes will do , spend more time outdoors , exercise , go for a walk , take care of your garden , play with children , share your love , and engage with friends and with our club . Research shows that taking care of children increases well-being , while being an educator decreases it . Please make a difference ; give yourself a chance and time to be a mom . Remember that younger people are especially vulnerable now , too .
Anna S . .
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