Long-term consequences of pandemic PTSD

This is directly related to long term lock-down of small businesses and public education that I wrote about a few months ago, when I wrote of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its effect on the military, health care workers and civilians experiencing constant, unending stress. 

PTSD has now become a plague to the millions of small business owners who have been unable to pay their rent, their employees and provide for their families during the coronavirus pandemic. PTSD has affected oil workers, those in the hospitality business and their families facing an uncertain future — as do many countless others.  

PTSD has impacted the millions of school students unable to socially interact with their peers. Virtual learning is a temporary fix, but what about the families unable to afford the necessary computer equipment for remote education? School kids also need social interaction and team sports to fully develop, both mentally and physically. They get that in school, in person.

Students in politically dysfunctional cities and states have been out of their classrooms for a year now. That’s an entire year of mental and physical development lost due to COVID-19 and some self-serving teacher unions. These students are experiencing modern-day PTSD. They are experiencing constant stress — dealing with the unknown, and with cases seeming to go down and then up again, there is no promise of relief anytime soon. Our children are being left behind due to inept leadership. If this continues, we can expect devastating consequences, mentally and physically. 

The present federal administration has been disappointing, having compounded the problems of unemployment and schooling. “Aww, come on Joe, give us a break man!” You proclaimed to be a patriot and a “uniter.” Really, Mr. President? Make decisions benefiting the entire nation, not just one political party or lobbyists. Your administration is disoriented. I’m still rooting for you, President Biden, for the sake and safety of this nation, but you’ve got to do better. A totalitarian socialistic nation will doom us. Government was intended to exist by and for the people, not the people existing for government. 

Today, rather than address real problems of this nation, politicians continue to concentrate on political theater. You readers want the truth? Ain’t gonna find it on TV, mainstream or social media. They cater to a politically opinionated agenda disguised as journalism. 

Media today pledges allegiance to partisan liberal politics, not the American flag. You’ve got to search deeper for the truth and that can be difficult. Forget reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). They are compromised by Communist China. Our own Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports conflicting information. Despite all of this we are a resilient nation. We’ll get through with cool heads. 

God bless you, patriotic readers, and your families. Warmer weather and sunshine is arriving. Remain tough and be safe.

Millerton resident and Vietnam War veteran Larry Conklin is a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.