Pandemic fatigue? UBC psychologist says we can handle new restrictions

As new COVID-19 restrictions once again come into effect in B.C., a UBC psychologist is challenging the notion of “pandemic fatigue” as many are more resilient than they think.

Dr. Azim Shariff says even though many may feel defeated by the seemingly endless pandemic, there are signs we are able to cope.

He says research suggests overall people agree with new restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus.

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“I think there’s a bit of a misnomer to using the term “fatigue,” which implies a decline in capabilities. There’s no evidence our psychological resources to be able to comply to these restrictions has itself diminished,” Shariff said, adding, “I think a better term might be something like psychological boredom or disinterest or disinclination rather than something that implies that we can’t actually comply anymore,” he said.

He says the psychological impact might include people choosing not to follow the new rules, or to be dismissive to their effectiveness.

“This idea that we have declining capability, I don’t think there’s strong evidence for that,” he said.

Although there have been reports of pandemic scofflaws and non-compliance, he says overall that attitude is not the norm.

“By and large people have been pretty good at complying with the restrictions thus far,” he said, calling it a positive indicator.

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On Friday, B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledged the toll the new restrictions and emergence of the Omicron variant is having on mental health.

The rules place limits on gatherings over the holidays which will remain in place until the end of January.

Read the full list of restrictions here.

She encouraged anyone who is feeling depressed to reach out to find resources to help.

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Call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

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Call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

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