In many ways this past year was traumatic. We all suffered losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From daily minor inconveniences, to deaths of family and friends, and everything in between. Some of us learned a new way to work, some lost jobs and businesses, some could not stop working and even put themselves at risk by going to work. The pandemic caused some to have a kind of existential crisis, left us wondering what our purpose is, whether we are on the right path. For others the crisis manifested as depression and anxiety, our normal coping skills no longer enough to manage the day to day. Deep breath.

In 1955 psychologist Dr. Emmy Werner conducted a longitudinal study of residents from birth to mid-life on Kauai island. She and her team followed a cohort of 698 children born that year and monitored them all periodically until age 40. Some 30% of the group were born into families that deemed them “at risk” for developing learning or behavior problems later in childhood into adulthood. The team also recognized a set of “protective factors” such as one person in the child’s life who was nurturing and safe. An unexpected outcome emerged when Iniki hit Kauai as a category 4 hurricane in 1992, devastating the south central area of the island. Dr Werner found that many participants from the “at risk” group were better prepared for the disaster than many other residents. They had anticipated, acted, and took seriously the warnings.

Sometimes a major upheaval in life can teach us how to navigate unexpected events. We learn that bad things happen and that we can come through the other side. We survive. And sometimes, with the help and support of others, we even find that we can thrive.

Here are some takeaways for me after this last extraordinary year. Our communities and connections to each other are life. Mental, emotional, physical, spiritual health is wealth and access to the systems that support these should not be a privilege but a basic human right. We cannot underestimate the power of the collective. Every voice must be given a seat at the table. Talk less, listen more.

“Year of the Farmer” Rally, Hawai`i State Capital Lawn, January 6, 2021

What are some things from this past year that stood out for you? I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment.

Connect to a support network by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. -RM

WEATHERING THE STORM TOGETHER