Mega Introvert and COVID-19

Opinion by Makayla Secrist Staff writter

Soft music, cow plants, and torture of innocent simulated lives, how could I say no to that?

I’ve been escaping into the Sims 4 quite a bit over the past couple weeks. I guess the ability to control something appeals to my anxious heart. I build houses, create ridiculous Sims, make immortal the ones I enjoy, and watch others die from stupid situations in hilarious death animations.

Video games of all kinds have always been my go to when I’m stressed. Right now it seems the world is playing the latest Animal Crossing game, but as I don’t have a Nintendo Switch, that one will have to wait.

You see I have many family and friends that work in the medical field or in other “essential” jobs that are unable to self-isolate. One in particular I worry the most about.

Alyssa Secrist is my kids’ step mom (or bonus mom as I like to call her). She has a number of health issues that put her in the “high risk” category if she happens to contract the virus. She also works in health care as a phlebotomist in a plasma donation center. I’m thankful she’s not fully on the front lines of the virus, but the job is still considered “critical” as the race for a vaccine continues. She can’t and wont stay home.

I can’t stop her from leaving the house or put her in a bubble so I play Sims or distract myself by watching my favorite YouTubers like Graystillplays or Unus Annus. I can’t control what’s going on outside, so I control what I can.

I saw bare shelves for the first time when the schools closed in response to the outbreak. My Facebook feed seems to be a war zone ripe with conspiracy theories, constant political backlash, and (my personal favorite) memes. In hindsight, not much change there when I think about it.

People are scared. Dealing with something they never thought would happen here in the United States. Our world is upside down for a time and we’re all learning how to deal with it.

Control what you can. Play a game. Experiment with a DIY project you always wanted to try, write that book, draw that picture, or even just draw yourself a hot bath and relax.

“And this too shall pass away.”

Above all, stay home if you can and everyone wash your hands!

Thank you to everyone still going out every day and facing this. Thank you to the creators making our stay home enjoyable.