There's no hiding the emotional toll this unprecedented pandemic has had on the entire globe. As a part of our efforts to learn about the impacts of this situation, Archinect reached out to its international community to get a sense of how things have been going. We wanted to hear how our colleagues have been holding up, discovering along the way that many of us share the same challenges, concerns, and uncertainties. As a part of our outreach, we asked how professionals were doing emotionally. Through that inquiry, we found 4 main areas of emotional impact:

1. Feeling distracted, drained, and anxious from news and updates
2. Worried about the economic implications of the pandemic
3. Hit to productivity and focus due to stress and anxiety
4. Familial concerns and impacts

We'll look at each one more in-depth and share some personal remarks from our colleagues across the industry.

Feeling distracted, drained, and anxious from news

As we learn about this novel situation together, our tendency to check the news and social media for updates seems unavoidable. With the intention of informing ourselves, we instead end up overwhelming ourselves. After a while, the information overload builds up to where we mentally (and even physically) can't take it anymore. Our best bet is to find a healthy balance that allows us to stay up to date and mentally well. Here are what some of our fellow professionals had to say on this issue:

• "I'm more stressed than usual, distracted by news and local alerts.... i have a two year old and parents over 70, so concerned about everyone but me. but getting things Done at work, perhaps a little slower than usual, but i think everyone is “slower than usual” this week."

• "I'm feeling burnt out on news, also 35 weeks pregnant and concerned about the future of labor and delivery, my job, the economy, etc. But trying to stay focused and busy at work."

• "The media is overkill, for good reason I presume to stop the morons from making things worse, but again at some point reality has to settle in and what will be will be."

• "Extremely anxious for the shoe to drop. Waiting for an understanding of what to expect. The anxiety has me constantly checking the news."

• "It is draining, hearing the updates about all of the newest closures and wondering what is going to happen."

Worried about economic implications

As the economy takes a blow due to the massive shutdowns, many are wondering how the repercussions will influence their lives. For most, the concern lies around job security and the ability of their employer to continue to provide a reliable income. Moreover, for business leaders, the pressure is high too. With a team of people reliant on the organization, the weight to hold on is slowly becoming vast. In the spirit of optimism, we all know the current situation is temporary, but just not how temporary — this is the kicker:

• "I'm not nervous about getting sick. But, very nervous about the economy tanking worse than it did in 2008."

• "This is very challenging. I am scared of the uncertain future…"

• "To be honest, I'm a little distracted, but overall, I'm more concerned about the economy than health effects."

• "The economic concerns and the effects on our markets is honestly the hardest part. As a recent graduate with +100K in loan debt, I cannot afford a pay cut, much less get laid off, as I begin to pay back my loans and still provide for my living accommodations."

• "Personally, I'm nervous about my job security as the virus’ effects reveal themselves to the economy...Optimistic that we can collectively support each other worldwide."

Hit to Productivity and Focus

Thankfully, many are still able to work, but the mental impacts of the aforementioned concerns can have a strong effect on work performance. One's ability to focus well seems to be impeded by the onslaught of news coupled with the uncertainties of the future. Positive thinking aside, many are merely doing their best to plan ahead while they step up to their responsibilities as professionals:

• "I'm worried and scared and less productive."

• "It’s been a distraction to my performance as I check news updates and see how others are fairing in the forums. I feel slightly more anxious, but I think I’m able to manage it well."

• "Not working at a 100% due to the emotional toll and also fact that kids are home and need attention."

• "Of course, this has impacted work performance! It's hard to maintain a semblance of "normal" when the world has been turned upside down. Kids are stressed, parents are frazzled. A lot of my energy is being devoted to maintaining a calm and peaceful household."

Familial Impacts 

As we work from home with our families present, the opportunity is a blessing for some and a distraction for others. In other cases, it may be both, depending on the time of day. Nevertheless, the well being of our loved ones remains a top priority. Managing kids at home, those more elderly members out of reach, or even a spouse or partner can be a point of pressure while also a source of comfort:

• " I'm stressed - but at least comforted being with family, being able to help take care of them more and watch over them."

• "It's been hard to focus. I worry mostly about my father, who turned 70 this January. But I'm trying really hard to keep my mind in the right place."

• "Working on anything when you’re worried about running out of food, about your family getting sick, about your partner losing their service industry job..."

• "Distracted by the news, anxious about the economic state and its effect on my business, concerned about my family's interactions with the world and its effect on their short term outlook."

Emotions can be managed

We're all human, when things are tough, they are tough, and that's okay. But, as humans, we also have an extraordinary potential for resilience. As hard as things get, we can always broaden our perspective, look at things in a new way, or try to channel our energy towards being creative, focusing more on what is in our control and less on what is not. Let's continue to encourage and support one another during this time, assuring those around us that they are not alone in this temporary valley of life.