After lockdowns throughout the darkest months of winter, there is a sense that we are collectively losing our minds. From brain fog and forgetting simple things to heightened emotions and general sluggishness, anecdotes from friends and family about the many ways they’re feeling “off” are piling up. They may make amusing fodder for group chats and internet memes, but these mind blips and slips signal a larger mental health concern—months of isolation have significantly altered our brains.
I find myself cycling through what seem to be the stages of grief —denial, anger, guilt, depression—without ever getting to acceptance.
“I feel irritated at the behavior of others to an unhealthy degree these days,” says Jason, who has been working remotely for the past year with his wife and young daughter at home. He requested his last name not be used due to the nature of his work. It can be small things like people not wearing masks or someone jogging close to me on a sidewalk. Or larger issues, like the failure of politicians and governments to rise to this crisis. I find myself cycling through what seem to be the stages of grief —denial, anger, guilt, depression—without ever getting…
