A major crisis is often a challenge to our sense of purpose. In this sense, the COVID pandemic is no different from many other crises we’ve faced as individuals and as a country. Jane Rubin, Ph.D., talks about how people are struggling with finding a sense of purpose during the pandemic.
Has it been more or less common for people to find a sense of purpose during COVID?
It really depends upon the person and their particular circumstances. Some very fortunate people, like myself, have been able to continue working in much the same way we did before COVID. The only real difference is that we work online instead of in person. Many of us get a sense of purpose from our work. Being able to continue has meant that we’ve been able to hold onto a sense of purpose during this crisis. If anything, my sense of purpose has deepened. I’m able to help people emotionally navigate these trying times.For other people, it’s been more difficult. I think these people fall into three general groups; 1) people in a holding pattern while they wait to go back to their previous jobs; 2) people who don’t know if their former jobs will exist after COVID; 3) people who can make a shift in what gives them a sense of purpose.
People in a holding pattern: I know people who can’t do their former jobs while the pandemic is uncontrolled. For example, I know people who work with children with developmental disabilities. They aren’t able to work online. It’s difficult for them not to work right now. However, they know there will still be a need for their services when in-person work resumes.
People who don’t know if their jobs will exist after COVID: This includes people who work in restaurants and other small businesses. Many of these businesses closed permanently. The people who worked in them may never be able to go back to doing what they did before.
People who have made a shift: Some people I know actually deepened their sense of purpose during this time. Some are finally writing the book they always meant to write. Or learning new skills like playing the piano. Some finally cleaned the garage. Many people are participating in volunteer activities like delivering meals. Some of these people are retired, others are working. Regardless, they’re finding a new sense of purpose by helping others.
How do you help those struggling hold onto their sense of purpose?
For those in a “holding pattern”, the most important thing to do is to help them find meaningful things to do. The fact that they’ll be able to go back at some point makes their situation more bearable than if they could never go back at all. Nevertheless, waiting and uncertainty are very difficult for some people. I’ve encouraged them to find meaningful things to do in the present, even if these activities might not be what they’d prefer. I also encourage people not to isolate themselves. Many people miss the social aspects of work. Staying connected to social groups helps break down some of that isolation.
What about those people who don’t know if they can go back?
That situation is much more difficult. Many people must grieve for the lives they’ve lost before thinking about what their future holds. Once they’ve accepted and mourned their losses, they’re able to start thinking about what they might do going forward. This requires an honest assessment of their skills and talents and some flexibility about what they’re willing to do next. I’ve also found that a number of these people also need to work through their sense of betrayal. They see that multimillionaires received PPP loans, while they got little or no help at all. In many ways, the pandemic has shown people that the durability of their personal sense of purpose is very much bound to our collective purpose as a nation.
Perhaps the best way to close is to say that most individuals are very resilient. Even in dark times like these, they’re looking for reasons to have hope. I believe it’s a therapist’s responsibility to help her clients gain and maintain a sense of possibility as they confront difficult circumstances. Even when those circumstances include a global pandemic.
Are you struggling with rediscovering the purpose of life? Please click to learn more about depression therapy and treatment with Jane Rubin, Ph.D. Jane Rubin, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in Berkeley, California. She works with individuals in Berkeley, Oakland, the East Bay, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area who are struggling with depression and anxiety. She also specializes in working with people who are trying to find meaning and direction in their lives.