Curious to know what's been keeping people sane lately? What are the most common struggles, pleasant surprises, silver linings of 2020 and more? I have good news.
Remember two weeks ago? I wanted to create a passion project about this wild year we're having, but needed more insight. That's where you stepped in to help. 81 of you kindly contributed their stories to an anonymous questionnaire, and omg, they sparked so much inspiration! Two projects are already in the works, and at the heart of it all, my hope is that this series will help us feel a little less alone in our feelings and experiences. In the spirit of that, I want to share some common themes and responses from the 2020 survey. Here’s what people said:
HOW ARE YOU FEELING REALLY?
21% reported:
A rollercoaster of emotions - fine one day and very low the next.
19% reported:
Sad / depressed
15% reported:
Exhausted / tired
12% reported:
Overwhelmed
11% reported:
Anger / frustration
10% reported:
Anxious / worried
8% reported:
Lost / ungrounded
8% reported:
Good / great
*Note: Multiple feelings were typically listed in one survey response. So the percentages above are the number of times that feeling was reported out of 81 total responses.
**I also want to note that of the people who shared that they’re doing well right now, many either feel guilty about it, feel like they can’t share it with anyone, or are scared that it’ll be taken away at any moment.
THE TOP 4 RESPONSES TO:
Biggest StruggleS this year:
1. Job instability (pay cuts, furloughs and job loss)
2. Mental health / wellbeing
2. Overwhelm from too much happening at once
3. Missing loved ones
4. Grieving loved ones
PLEASANT SURPRISEs OF THIS Year:
1. How people came together to help each other
2. How well family / spouses get along with each other
3. Finding small joys in every day life
4. Civil and social growth
What do You need, AND aren't communicating?
1. Human interaction
2. Space / alone time
3. Love / support
4. Rest / time to decompress
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW?
1. Everything is going to be okay
2. We have a vaccine
3. This will be over soon
3. We have a new president
4. This is all happening for the better
What’s keeping YOU sane lately:
1. Time in nature
1. Exercise
2. Pets
3. Family and friends
4. Making / Creating
THE TOP 2:
Things About life before the pandemic that WERE TAKEN For granted:
1. Being with family and friends
2. The freedom to go out anytime, anywhere and how carefree doing so used to be
First THINGs PEOPLE WOULD DO IF The pandemic WERE TO DISAPPEAR :
1. Visit family and friends
2. Travel / go on vacation
*Note: I’m only including a top 2 for these categories because these responses were be far the front runners. We miss our loved ones and being able to leave our homes without worry or restrictions.
THE TOP 4 RESPONSES TO:
What HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF FROM THESE PAST FEW MONTHS?
1. I’m strong / I’m stronger than I thought I was (This was first place by a landslide)
2. I'm more resilient than I thought I was
3. I can live simply and be happy
4. I don’t really know how to self soothe / I need to learn stress relief techniques
WHAT IS THE SILVER LINING TO 2020?
1. Spending more quality family time
2. Enjoying a slower pace of life
3. Civil and social growth
4. Greater appreciation for what we have and what’s really important
BIG PICTURE
A RESPONSE THAT popped up ACROSS THE BOARD? HUGS
We’re missing hugs and needing hugs. We realize that we took hugs for granted, and it’s something we can’t wait to do as soon as it’s safe again. <3
What this project (and year) Have taught me so far:
We’re all connected and truly need each other. In terms of managing physical health, that means wearing a mask and social distancing in public. In terms of managing mental health, that means checking in with each other and letting people know that when you ask “how are you doing?” or “do you need anything,” you’re seriously asking.
So many people said that filling out this questionnaire was cathartic - it felt therapeutic to pause and reflect on how they were feeling, and it was a relief to actually share those feelings. We’re all carrying a lot right now, and we know everyone else is too. As an act of love, many of us (myself included) put on a brave face and keep the struggle to ourselves as to not add to anyone else’s plate, and I know that’s a lonely place to be. So please know that you’re not alone. Look at the responses above as a reminder that we’re all in it, and we are getting through together.
This overview is just scratching the surface of what was shared in the survey responses, and I'm so excited to dive into this further with the upcoming passion project series. Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice to this project. This is all the more impactful because of your openness and vulnerability.
Want to stay updated on how this project takes shape? Be sure to sign up for the email list and/or follow on me instagram for the latest. And if this brought you any value, please do me a huge favor and help me amplify this project by sharing it with your circle. Thank you so much Team Declarative! I appreciate your help!
xKristine