One thing that gets lost in debates about productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic is the reality that people cope with trauma in very different ways. 1/7

Someone recently shared that they wonder “what’s wrong” with people who are attempting to be productive during the pandemic. They also wondered if people who aren’t outwardly expressing emotional anguish understand the gravity of situation. 2/7

Although the person’s comments were seemingly directed at privileged people who are able to safely navigate the pandemic, the comments also made me realize that the ability to fall apart or pause to sit in the moment is also a privilege. 3/7

As a person whose life has been characterized by adversity, I’ve never had the time to cry for too long about anything (big or small). I’ve literally been working through pain and precarity my entire life. 4/7

My mechanism for coping with traumatic life events is figuring out how I’m going survive them and acting accordingly (because I’ve never had a safety net or someone to rescue me). Of course that’s not a good thing, but it’s reality. 5/7

Considering how anxious academics can be, publicly bragging about productivity IS insensitive (depending on the context). However, I also don’t want to see folks with TT jobs or salaries asking “what’s wrong” with ppl who potentially can’t afford to fall apart. 6/7 #phdchat

At the end of the day, everyone has to realize that coping strategies are person-specific. There isn’t a wrong or right way to cope (generally speaking). Just do what works for your situation (overall or at a particular moment). 7/7