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<strong> Fortunately, many of the people I'm close to have been minimally affected by COVID, aside from socially distancing. </strong> My husband is able to conduct his work through telehealth, and many of my friends who are in the mental health field (as I am) are able to conduct their work virtually as well. My parents are also able to work from home; there was talk of my stepfather getting laid off, but thus far that hasn't happened. My dad got laid off early on in the pandemic (this is not unusual--he has been laid off from countless jobs) and struggled to find work. He said that he went on several interviews, but<strong> it seemed like places were just advertising that they were hiring without actually intending on hiring anybody. </strong>Certainly a frustrating situation. He was able to get hired a few months ago, though, and seems to be enjoying his new work. <strong> I worry about my husband's mental health. He struggles with the isolation, as well as living apart. He and I have lived apart for nearly 2 years now as we finish up our respective graduate programs. I am able to manage the distance much better than he does. </strong> He struggles with the virtual work; he is a bit tech-averse and is fatigued by the screen time by the end of the day. He doesn't feel the same sort of connection to others virtually as he does face-to-face, which contributes to his sense of isolation. It doesn't help that the apartment he moved to several months ago is a piece of shit--falling apart a bit, roaches everywhere, you name it. He started therapy a few months ago, thank GOD. It's hard to be in the mental health field and be married to someone who is struggling with their mental health. I know how I would respond to him if he was my client, but I feel at a loss at how to respond to him as a wife. I also feel guilty because I am coping much better. The isolation doesn't bother me, nor does the distance. I'm happy he is in therapy now.
February 4, 2021