03/14/2020
Some thoughts from our Executive Director, Danielle Rider;
I want to express some of my thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic from my professional perspective. I am sharing with you from my role as Executive Director of Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services.
For those unaware, let me first explain the Victim Services program. Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services is a small organization operated by four staff and a valued, dedicated team of volunteers. Our service is mandated to operate 24/7, offering emotional support to victims of crime and tragic circumstance.
In addition to emotional support, our staff and volunteers work to increase safety and decrease risk of re-victimization through safety planning and support with practical needs, such as emergency funding for clothing, shelter, travel and more, depending on the circumstance. We work very closely with our local police services and other first responders, relying on them to assist us in our efforts to increase the emotional well-being and safety of our community.
The recent response to the COVID-19 illness has, naturally, generated a lot of conversation about physical wellness and preparedness. As I am not a doctor or health care professional, I do not question the validity, necessity or accuracy of these health-focused conversations. I encourage everyone to follow the advice offered by medical professionals.
However, I have noticed that a critical conversation is missing, or at the very least not generating the engagement that it should: there is a psychological and emotional impact associated with this pandemic.
Repeated and chronic stress changes our brains. It is well established that chronic stress can lead to depression and anxiety, and can interfere with our ability to balance our rational thinking and emotions. For individuals considered “high-functioning”, with coping tools and strategies at their disposal, chronic stress can impair their ability to effectively cope.
When the same stress is applied to a marginalized individual, with little to no coping strategies, supports, income or fulfillment of basic needs, this impact can be overwhelming. Coupling this information with the recent panic and fear in respect to COVID-19 leaves a considerable number of individuals in our community at increased risk of deterioration on the scale of mental health and emotional resilience.
Additionally, although there are a number of individuals who have the ability to work from home or step away from the office for a period of time, this strategy does not apply to those in the medical field or first responders, including police officers, EMS, fire and crisis response workers. “Working from home” is not an option for these individuals; they continue to show up each day, dedicated to the safety and well-being of those who need them most.
I am concerned with the lack of conversation about the mental health costs associated with this pandemic. As a society, and as a community, we are already in critical condition with respect to mental health, addiction, domestic violence and su***de rates. I highly suspect that we will see an increase in these areas in particular as ‘social distancing’ increases.
I am not suggesting that measures taken in the name of public health should not be implemented; my concern rests with the apparent blind spot of caring for our community’s mental health and well being in the shadow of this crisis.
I am asking that we, as a community, do better by one another. That we check in with people around us, offer support to those in need and work together, rather than individually, to ensure that individuals are supported. As a community, let’s work together to ensure that privilege is not used as a catalyst for further marginalization; let’s consider one another, on both a physical and emotional level, as we move forward through the coming weeks.
I recognize that I am offering no concrete solutions; my request is simply that we engage in the conversation on an ongoing basis. The impact of this pandemic will be felt on a level much broader than the physical ailments associated with the disease; be considerate, be thoughtful, support your first responders and check-in with our most vulnerable individuals.
It is an important place to start.
Danielle Rider
Executive Director
Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services
