Carole Simpson

Pandemic Fatigue

Oct 31, 2020 | 2020 Election, Coronavirus, Mental Health, Something. To. Say. | 0 comments

Pandemic Fatigue

Hello Everybody. I have something to say about pandemic fatigue. 

I didn’t know that’s what it was. All I know is that a couple of weeks ago, my psyche went into a dark place. I was so sad.  I felt little joy in watching the news or a scary movie on Netflix. I started sinking into a pit of self-pity and depression.

Carole, I said to myself, “Get yourself together.” “But I can’t,” I said to my other self. “Everything is so sad.” The virus is soaring again; there’s sickness and death. People are out of work and hungry. Businesses are folding. And some folks are still refusing to wear masks. Thank you, Donald Trump.

But then I was watching the news and I saw all these people in long lines in different states, waiting to vote early. They had chairs, and food and drink. Thousands and thousands of people waiting for as long as 10 hours to cast their ballots. Last I heard nearly 50 million votes have been cast with less than a couple of weeks to Election.

I was like, “WOW.” I became happy. The American people were energized. Are energized. They are making sacrifices to vote; they finally realize that every vote counts. Those of you who haven’t voted, make sure you do. Cuz, after November 3rd, I feel there may be light on the other side of our tunnels, both pandemic and political.

Until next time.

Feelings – Part 1

Sep 13, 2020 | Coronavirus, Crazy Town, Mental Health, Something. To. Say. | 0 comments

Feelings – Part 1

Hello Everybody. I have been away awhile. It was a bad month. But I come back because I have something to say about feelings. This pandemic has got me bewitched, bothered and bewildered. I always prided myself in my ability to cope with situations. But we never had anything like this, and I can’t. This vicious virus is making me feel helpless and frightened. I can’t be the only person with these feelings. And studies show I’m not.  Nearly half of Americans are developing some kind of mild mental problems, like depression, stress, anxiety, fear, paranoia and even substance abuse…

Look at this. I saw this painting on an online art gallery and I had to have it. It’s called My World Is Falling Apart. Look at it. Muddled colors, an undefined landscape, fuzzy atmosphere. It captures perfectly how I feel about my world falling apart. I don’t know what’s going to happen.  Nobody knows. Is this the beginning of the end of civilization as we once knew it? Or the apocalypse?

Please don’t get me started on Donald Trump, who didn’t want to put us in a panic. We are in a panic because he didn’t tell us the truth and he has done nothing really to stop the spread of the coronavirus. No wonder fear and anxiety are making most of us a little crazy.

I’ll tell you what the experts say we ought to do if we’re to survive this when I see you next time.

The Pandemic Is Setting Us Back

Apr 18, 2020 | Coronavirus, Health, Something. To. Say.

The Pandemic Is Setting Us Back

Hello Everybody:

I have something to say about the coronavirus quarantine.

Over the past five weeks, I’ve had plenty of time to wallow in the daily statistics of sickness and death. That got to be too much.  Instead I decided to eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive. What good could COVID-19 have on America? I struggled. And struggled. It’s killing too many people before their time; it’s straining our health care system; it’s imposing impossible demands on doctors, nurses, health workers and first responders; it’s wrecked the economy leaving millions with no jobs and no income. And we don’t have as much fun.

I was looking for something positive.  Maybe there will be new technology and new medicines, but that will take awhile.  And then I thought maybe going through this horrible ordeal will bring our country together, brother to brother and sister to sister, a new happy family.  But then I realized who’s president. He’s divisive.  And folks, divided we will fall.

See you next time.

Coronavirus Part Deux

Mar 13, 2020 | Health, Something. To. Say.

Coronavirus Part Deux

Hello Everybody:

       I have some more things to say about the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic

       I told you I was afraid a week ago?  Well, now I am 6 times as afraid. So scared, I got out of Dodge. Well, I actually got out of Boston and my high-rise condo, with its 35 floors and crowded elevators. I am now hunkered down in our summer home off the Atlantic Ocean. 

       Now I didn’t do this on my own. My daughter, Doctor Mallika Marshall was hounding me leave Downtown Boston and come here. There are no crowds this time of year and little to do. Mallika said she doesn’t want me coming back home until she decides it’s safe for me. Isn’t it funny how the children become the parents.

       Although otherwise healthy, it’s my age. Dr. Marshall said when we get older, we lose our reserves to ward off disease. I have a 79-year-old, heart, old lungs, old kidneys…you get the picture. So, elderly people are the most likely to die from the coronavirus.

        So here I will stay—quarantining myself. I have my pets with me, my iPhone, the Internet, my television, some books on tape, jigsaw puzzles and plenty of food. I’m blessed, I know, to have this option. And I pray that you will be safe. Just take all the precautions and know that “this too will pass.”

Until next time.

Coronavirus Anxiety

Mar 7, 2020 | Health, Something. To. Say.

Coronavirus Anxiety

        Hello Everybody. I have something to say about the coronavirus pandemic. To be honest with you, I am afraid. I’m very afraid. I’m in the elderly high-risk group. I’ve been living on this earth for seventy years and I can’t ever remember anything sweeping half the countries on the planet bringing with it, disease and death. And to make matters worse, our government seems ill-prepared to handle the crisis that is already changing American life as we knew it just six weeks ago.

         We were in a Costco last weekend to do what the experts say we should do. Stock up on paper goods, hand sanitizers, medicines and other necessities, in case we have to be quarantined. You’ve been in a Costco and you know the check-out lines are in the front and the food is way in the back. Well the lines at every checkout station stretched all the way back to the meat. People pushed baskets overflowing with toilet paper and bottled water and wine and candy. Whatever your necessities are.

        I couldn’t wait in those lines. I went somewhere else, but I did stock up. And I’m washing my hands feverishly, and I’m afraid to touch my face and scared to turn a doorknob. Trump continues to minimize the danger, but scientists warn things will get worse before they get better.

        So, as silly as I feel with all my provisions, I think we all should heed, “Better safe than sorry.” People, get ready.

 

I hope to see you next time.