Do your ever feel like the closer you get to a highly anticipated event, the more anxious you get?

That’s how I’m feeling right now as we move closer to the end of this COVID-19 nightmare. Along with my joy and anticipation, I’m also experiencing a sense of dread: I’ve come all this way, sacrificed so much to stay healthy, and yet … I could still get COVID.

Just my luck, right?

When we were in the middle of the pandemic, I knew we still had a long way to go and I accepted that. I was diligent with wearing a mask and washing my hands. I even wiped down my groceries at first!

But now that I recently got my first COVID vaccine, it seems to signal the light at the end of this tunnel. At the same time, I also realize that’s a dangerous thought. I don’t think we can let our guard down just yet.

Still, I can picture myself walking in the fresh air without a mask, greeting people and being able to see their faces. I envision hugging and touching my loved ones and meeting their little ones that arrived during the pandemic. I’m also looking forward to resuming my favorite pastimes, like going out for dinner or to a movie.

So, while I believe the end is in sight, I keep reminding myself that it’s not over yet. I need to continue doing all the things that have kept me safe so far.

Considering everything we’ve dealt with the past year and knowing that the end is in sight, you would think that I would be fine, that I could hang in there.

However, it’s just the opposite. As I wait for my second vaccine, I’m more anxious than ever.

It reminds me of that scene in the movie “Jaws,” where Quint talks about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. It’s quite a moving monologue, but the part that resonates with me is when he’s waiting to be pulled from the water and says, “That’s the time I was most scared – waiting for my turn.”

If you don’t think you can hold on, now is the time to call your Employee Assistance Program for help. Don’t think that just because you made it this far, you don’t need help now. I’ll admit, I found it helpful to talk to someone about my stress and fears. The EAP is here for you, too.

If you would like to learn more about the FEI EAP, please contact us.