Letter from the Editor - Coping with COVID-19

As seen in the Summer 2020 issue of Mississauga’s magazine.

I’m using this space to share how I’ve coped with COVID-19.
Yes, I’m aware that what you read below may not apply to you, that you may already be utilizing these techniques, or you disagree with them.
Whatever your stance, this is meant to be a helpful article that to promote an active, respectful, and engaging discussion.

Verify the information you consume

I started with this as with the internet enabling anyone to have a platform, it also enables the potential for widespread misinformation.
My rule is to verify everything before sharing it.
With massive advancements in video editing software and the ability to shift the narrative by publishing selective information, sensationalism is sadly at risk of a continuously upward trajectory.
One of my go-to resources is snopes.com as they’ve been in the fact-checking game for nearly 30 years.
If it’s something on a local level, reach out to either myself or the City of Mississauga for accurate verification. If it’s on a larger scale, invest the time to check with various news sources from large, medium, to independent.
Take the time to ensure what you consume is truthful as the whirlwind of published/posted lies isn’t slowing down.
Even though the news/information that you consume can appear to be nearly unbelievable, amplifying it makes it worse.

Take time for you

Between personal and family obligations, video calls, work requirements, friends and a plethora of other items, it can be easy to find yourself burnt out .
Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, taking a break from all screens for an hour, cooking, etc., it’s crucial to carve out dedicated “you” time. 
Pick up a new hobby or habit that you’ve been eyeing as it can be exciting to start something new.
I use the airplane safety demonstration example of “put your mask on first before assisting someone else.”
You can’t care for anyone else unless you care for yourself first.

Be overly cautious

Despite what stage we’re in, it’s completely acceptable to be overly cautious with your behaviour.
Sure, patios may be open but if you’re not 100% comfortable with venturing out, even if you’re getting nudged by others, stand your ground and do what’s best for you.
You may get some flak for your decision but remember, for 99% of us, this is our first global pandemic and we’ll have varying decision making processes.
For me, if I’m 100% not comfortable going out, even if it’s 99.9%, I’m staying home.
If you feel safer wearing your mask on a walk by yourself in an isolated area, please do so.
Only you know what’s comfortable for you so please keep doing what makes you feel secure.

It’s ok to be scared

When the pandemic was first declared, I was scared. It was ok to feel it then and it’s ok now.
COVID-19 has changed the modern world and as we progress to a return to some sense of normalcy, this level of change can be scary for some, myself included.
There’s no instruction manual on how to feel day-to-day and for me, I’ve had strong days, indifferent days and down days.  I’ve had days where my confidence was at an all-time high and moments where I thought “today is the day Modern Mississauga Media closes because I don’t know how I’ll survive in the new modern world.”
What’s helped move me forward is speaking with friends and family and the simple act of communicating often helps me stabilize myself.
Consider connecting with a therapist as well for a neutral listener, meaning someone you don’t know.
More often than not, the act of being truly heard and listened to is what’s needed…at least that’s the case for me.
It’s not about a problem being fixed or an analytical solution being provided.
It’s having someone you’re comfortable with, trust and or love being present to support and listen to you.

Be patient with others

I realize it’s tempting to call others out for doing something you disagree with that’s pandemic related.
Before you post about it or criticize them, remember that we’re all wired differently, which includes some people thinking this is a “plandemic.”
Whether it’s friends, family, store owners, citizens, etc., I ask you to pause before making judgement or making accusations towards them.  Remember that there are some of us that are unable to wear masks, there are some of us that flat out refuse to wear masks with other variations sprinkled in between.
It could be larger than city-mandated gatherings, too many people in a store, a lack of physical distancing, or something else.
If it’s not putting you specifically in immediate danger/harm, take a moment to think about it before reacting and consider that you may not have all the information.
One ill-informed social media post can go viral, regardless of its truthfulness.

Be informed & aware


The first point was on the importance of verifying what you consume.
This is about gathering information and educating yourself because as the saying goes, “knowledge is power.”
It can be intimidating at first given the plethora of information available.
I’ve found that separating them into digestible pieces makes consumption easier and increases retention.  
Start with the information most relevant to your life and immediate family. From there branch out to how your community is impacted and what can be done to help.
Whether it’s how to safely support a local business, school, artists, etc.,
With information changing in some cases daily, it’s essential to arm yourself with fact-checked and accurate information.