COVID-19…I am sure you have read that name a lot recently. People are not lying when they say that COVID-19 has changed the world. The pandemic has changed the way we live. Everything that we used to expect from ‘normal life’ has changed. It is as if we can no longer hold onto the same dreams, hopes and expectations that we once had. Everything that we thought was certain has become uncertain.

That’s what uncertainty is: not being sure that you want to happen will actually happen. Now, with the pandemic our lives are filled with uncertainty. I know I am repeating myself, but this is an important point, and it is a point we have to accept.

If you feel like your life is spiralling out of control, know that you are not alone. This is part of living through the pandemic. It’s normal, it’s expected.

To make things worse, now more than ever, we are isolated. We can no longer see friends and family like we used to. We don’t have the same support that we used to.

A massive part of dealing with uncertainty – or any negative emotion – is being able to talk to others about how we feel. Now, with ever increasing isolation, it is hard to reach out to others.

So, know this, if you feel uncertain and isolated, you are not alone. Focus on the things in your life that you can control, no matter how small they may be. Reach out to others. It can be a simple text, a call or even contacting a counsellor.

This is a stressful time. You might have to put your dreams and aspirations on hold. Things might not work out the way you had hoped. Acknowledge how this makes you feel, and work on taking care of yourself.

You can only try your best in this crazy situation. If you feel like a failure, know that you are not to blame – we are living in times where the meaning of failure and success have changed.

Things will change (eventually). The day will come when you can work towards what you want. The day will come when you can imagine your life outside of the pandemic.

Until then, do what you can and be kind to yourself.