Our whole country’s way of life changed back in March. Certain restrictions and guidelines were put in place as safety measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which was killing people all over the globe.

It’s been nine long months of living with these changes, including the wearing of face masks, social distancing and avoiding gathering in groups. Many people across the country, and the world, are now experiencing “pandemic fatigue.”

We are tired of the changes. We miss our families. We want this all to be done. Due to these feelings, many people have stopped wearing masks and social distancing.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a fairy-tale world or a Disney movie. It doesn’t matter how hard we wish for something. That doesn’t automatically make it disappear. COVID-19 is still a very real threat.

“When you’ve been doing this for so long, you forget to be careful,” said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in an Oct. 31 Washington Post article about pandemic fatigue. “But it’s very important to not become complacent or inattentive.”

“The threat becomes less intimidating over time,” Lynn Bufka, senior director of practice transformation and quality for the American Psychological Association, said in The Washington Post article. “We get used to it. That’s a good thing if the threat isn’t something that is dangerous. But COVID-19 is bad.”

“Trying to adhere to anything extra is always a challenge,” said Carisa Parrish, a psychologist with Johns Hopkins. “You can add extra steps to your routine for a few days, but sustained behavior change is hard.”

Think in broad terms of it being similar to your New Year’s resolutions. Most people stick to their resolutions for a month or two but then start to slide. Unfortunately, these precautions and restrictions are in place to save lives and protect the public. We cannot afford to slide.

“Accepting this new reality and staying committed to good habits can prevent COVID-19,” Parrish said.

Large-scale change is possible from a countrywide standpoint. Some examples Parrish used were secondhand smoke concerns and using car seats for infants.

We saw a rise in cases across the country after Halloween. With the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays quickly approaching, we need to do better.

Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 6,300 additional positive cases of COVID-19 Nov. 8 and 9. This was reportedly the highest daily increase of cases at that time. Experts are saying much of the country is matching or surpassing the high case numbers we experienced early on in the pandemic.

The desire to get together with family is tempting. My parents usually host approximately 30 people for Thanksgiving. That is just not possible in a safe fashion this year.

Experts urge people downsize their celebrations, keeping in mind the dangers of traveling, the ages and health conditions of those involved and how well invitees may be adhering to the restrictions.

Instead of 30-plus people, my Thanksgiving will only feature my parents, my brother, my sister and her children and myself.

The key to battling the pandemic fatigue is to reframe the situation in your mind. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing out on, focus on the benefits or positives - even if they’re hard to find.

I will not think about how much I miss my cousins and their families. Instead, I am excited to see my sister and nephews, whom I haven’t seen since February. Yes, it stinks I can’t hug my family. But my focus is protecting my mother, who has lung concerns.

It is all about perspective.

The fact is, the pandemic is not over. Yes, we’ve been following these rules since March and it’s exhausting, but we’re not done yet. Please keep it up. If we continue to follow the restrictions, the sooner this will be over.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt helpless over the course of the pandemic. But I have good news for you - there are a few ways you can help fight the virus.

Wear your mask.

Social distance.

Wash your hands.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press