Coping and Caring During COVID-19—Dr. David M. Gilfoil
Dr. David M. Gilfoil is vice president for strategic planning and business initiatives.
It has been well documented that stress, anxiety, and worry have spread across the globe almost as fast as the pandemic itself. Perhaps you are feeling anxious about what we’ve endured since spring break as we launch our way deeper into the fall semester.
It all seems a bit much at times – mask-wearing, social distancing, lockdowns, fear of visiting family/friends, financial worries, Zoom fatigue, cyberattacks, lockdown browsers, and, let’s not forget the sap-sucking, fruit-tree killing, Spotted Lanternfly!
Indeed, all of this can take its toll on our emotional well-being. Of course, the CDC, state, and local healthcare organizations, as well as the DSU Wellness Center, exist to serve and can see us through it – nurses, counselors, staff can, and do, help – and we are immensely grateful!
While I’m doing my best to cope with the pandemic, I remember a time when I didn’t respond so well. Almost 20 years ago, I thought I was superman, working 70 hours a week, and flying through time zones, non-stop, without care. I was wrong.
One night, flying to Germany on a business trip, I felt a sensation as if someone hit me with a stick on the back of my head. I was unaware, until I was properly diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic four years later, that I had suffered a thrombosis of the left transverse sinus vein – a brain clot. I was confused, disoriented, the right side of my face was numb, and I lay awake most nights having unexplained panic attacks – for multiple years. Doctors couldn’t figure it out; I thought I was losing my mind, and I was afraid.
One of my favorite bible verses (Deuteronomy 31.8) and “go-to” hymn that got me through those difficult nights was “Be Not Afraid.” “Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow me and I will give you peace.…” I have since shared my love for this simple, powerful, comforting message of courage and hope, with family, friends, and strangers who were anxious, stressed, sick, or even dying.
I leave you with a particularly impactful version of “Be Not Afraid” recently recorded by Catholic artists from home. I dare you to listen and not be moved. Listen, be encouraged, have hope, and most importantly, share it with someone who could use a comforting (virtual) embrace. Peace.
Dr. David M. Gilfoil is vice president for strategic planning and business initiatives.