2020: In Andre's Words
“People have always been marginalized, unemployed, living on the streets, and struggling with mental health issues.”
Andre is a Guelph community member who has asked to remain anonymous. He is living with mental health challenges and has not found this year to be any different.
Published on July 13th, 2020.
I don't think we're living in any kind of a different time just because we're calling it something different.
Content Warning: Suicidal thoughts.
People have always been marginalized, unemployed, living on the streets, and struggling with mental health issues.
COVID-19 is not affecting me in part because I am suicidal. I have suicidal ideations and as a result of that, having care and concern for my own personal well-being during this pandemic is peripheralized.
Social isolation has not been a challenge for me. I have many issues being around people and I tend to spend a lot of time alone. I might have days where I experience loneliness but I'm not quite sure what that is.
I think the pandemic provides an opportunity for introspection. Now is a good time to appreciate things which we often don't, like being outside and exercising. I'll focus on the trees blooming, the smell of cut grass in the air, and the feeling of sunshine on my skin.
Nature is one of the tools that I use now to settle my alcohol addiction and cravings.
It really does put a smile on my face.
2020: In your Words is a mini-series that shares genuine and candid conversations about 2020 has impacted our community members. From the pandemic, to social isolation, to the Black Lives Matter protests, 2020 has challenged us to grow in so many different ways.
Storytelling by Meris Kieller and The Community Company.
Click here to return to the project page, or keep scrolling for the arrows to jump to the next story.