The ‘Organized Chaos’ of COVID-19 Means Communication Is More Important Than Ever

Editor’s Note: This story was written by Movember community member Ryne Turner from Greensville, SC.

The following story is brought to you by Movember. Movember is the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health around the world with a singular goal to stop men dying too young, Movember supports the following causes: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Since 2003, the support of more than five million participants has funded over 1,200 innovative projects across more than 20 countries. To learn more, please visit movember.com/stayingconnected.

My new reality due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) — the new viral strain in the coronavirus family that affects the lungs and respiratory system — is honestly just organized chaos. My job is still considered an essential function so I am still having to work a full schedule every day. I try to work from home some, go into the office only when I have to, and go to project sites on a rare occasion.

Leaving the house has become a nervous necessity for many people, but I feel even more so for us who are considered “at-risk” due to my testicular cancer diagnosis. I personally feel that I am trying to still do everything as if things are “normal,” and that’s causing anxiety because things aren’t normal. But, that’s OK.

I am a very active person, and not having my gym available and having to social distance has almost brought a sense of loneliness and depression. Trying to accept a different type of workout or a different type of family dinner is what I am trying to wrap my mind around. I am a creature of habit and do not like change at all, so I think focusing on accepting the ridiculousness of life at this moment is the only way we can overcome it.

My family is trying to stay busy by keeping our boys on somewhat of a school schedule and being outside as much as possible. If it’s not raining, we are trying to get everyone into the backyard and moving. We are taking lots of walks, playing soccer and sometimes just exploring the backyard and finding bugs. We set up a Zoom storytime, reading with my parents for the boys.

For the past eight or nine years, my group of friends have gotten together for golf, darts, bowling or go-kart racing every month or two. Since social distancing has stopped all of that, we are trying to set up an online poker event where we can hang out, talk trash and have a few laughs.

The way I am trying to balance it is to be fully involved in each thing I am doing at that moment. I explain to the boys that when daddy has to go to his office upstairs, he has to work; when they see daddy, then we can play. I try to let them stay on their schedule, which my amazing wife has put together for them, so they can keep some sense of normalcy and continue to learn and grow. I do my best to not mess up the great job she does on a daily basis!

It’s more important than ever to keep the conversation going. Even if it’s just to check-in or talk about nothing, we need to talk.

For more on the coronavirus, check out the following stories from The Mighty community:

• 7 Things to Do If Social Distancing Is Triggering Your Depression
• What You Should Know About Social Distancing During COVID-19
• How Can You Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and COVID-19 Symptoms?
• How Is the New Coronavirus Treated?
• 10 Face Masks People With Chronic Illness Recommend
• Creative Activities to Try With Your Kids While We’re Isolated at Home