Heartbreak Pandemic

It is no surprise that being in lockdown for a group of highly social animals had its toll, but it caught my attention that nearly 5 million Canadians have broken up during the COVID-19 pandemic. That is 15% of our adult population!

For those that have lost jobs, or loved ones, the pandemic has been catastrophic. Small businesses closing at rates never before seen in our lifetime. Kids home from school with no friends, no activities, too much screen time. Parents juggling virtual learning while also working from home, tripping over each other, feeling trapped. To say it has all been too much would be a gross understatement.

Interestingly, the age group hit hardest is the 18-24 category. With school closures, and work from home in tiny condos/apartments/mom and dad's basement, relationship management has suffered.

From my own clients I heard a lot of comments about too much togetherness, not a proper sharing of household (and children) responsibilities - and with it arguments and resentment, as well as just a general malaise and need for change.

The pandemic highlighted habits that perhaps went unnoticed prior to, dependance on substances increased, change in sleeping and hygiene habits, rise in mental health concerns, and with it, an increase in breakups.

Though the numbers are staggering, what I hope folks take away from this article is that a need to care for oneself and ones child(ren). If you need help, reach out. Talk to a friend, a counsellor, a mediator, a child psychologist, a teacher. Get the help that you need, we are all in this together.