Pandemic Exacerbating Anxiety & Depression

Folks, this was tough to write, but it’s important. Yes, that’s my opinion!

The current state of affairs in this country, and globally, is the worst we humans have seen in generations. Most of us were not alive during the last major pandemic in the early 1900’s, or even during WWII, when living situations were very trying for many people.

In later years, pandemics have occurred, but governments’ reactions and actions to those were much more mild as compared to this one. You can read more about those here.

The pandemic we are in now is unprecedented in modern history. Due to governmental inactions, and actions, the devastation to humans and world-wide economies will last many more years.

This pandemic, and the way it is being managed, is affecting people and relationships in profound ways. Many very adversely.

I write this because for about the last decade or so, I’ve had a very nice, respectful, even joyful relationship with another appraiser. I learn from that appraiser and appreciate the dialogue and experiences we’ve shared.

Not long ago, I wrote an essay concerning appraiser conduct involving an aspect of our work. Over the course of several days, the appraiser acquaintance has ‘come unglued’ as the expression goes about my opinion and choice of words, and I’m very concerned. The desire to just not be able to move on appears obsessive to me.

In that essay I used one strong word, based on my opinion, which does not appear in any of the requirements or guidelines appraisers must follow. I used that word to make a point because too many appraisers want to make excuses why the written requirements and guidelines can’t or won’t be followed. That bothers me, from an ethical standpoint. My point was to encourage appraisers to pay attention to the assignment SOW, additional assignment conditions that go beyond USPAP, and other expectations clients want to see in our reports. My other point was to say that ‘new technology’ being promoted by several companies is not appropriate to use in all assignments.

I enjoy respectful discussions. Dialogue helps greatly. I learn from it. But sometimes responders and I will just have to ‘respectfully disagree.’ However, when verbiage turns to name calling due to frustration because of a single word disagreement, it causes me to really ponder the circumstance. I believe our current pandemic situation may be exacerbating the underlying causation of the glue-pot explosion the appraiser has exhibited.

Medical professionals who understand human psyche have been sounding alarms about personal actions relating to how this pandemic is being managed, or not managed well, depending on your point of view. People are becoming more and more frustrated, spouse/partner and child abuse is on the rise. Burglaries, robberies, thefts and other crimes are beginning to increase. Incomes have been destroyed. Businesses have been upended. Relationships have suffered. People have become more desperate as governments have turned normal society nearly into martial law, restricting normal freedoms. If things don’t change, and we don’t get back to ‘normal’ relatively quickly, attempts or actual suicides will also rise. Chaos amongst the population will manifest itself.

Appraisers, as a general statement, tend to be loners in our profession. Few appraisers take time to associate with peers in formal or informal settings. Which is a shame, because some of the nicest people you’ll meet are your peers. They are not your enemy. Make an effort NOW to meet and get to know appraisers in your area. You won’t regret it.

On a related personal note, I have a “sista from anotha motha” because I made an effort to be helpful to another appraiser 1,300 miles away when we ‘met’ on a web forum. That turned into meeting in person to attend a live CE class together, and has evolved into a wonderful brother/sister relationship over the past dozen or so years.

I was moved to write this because I really do care about the appraiser whose glue-pot is boiling. And I’m concerned about other appraisers who may not really understand how their moods, emotions and expressions may be manifesting adverse behavior within themselves, and with others around them, due to the exterior pressures we are enduring.

One word of disagreement, or some other basically silly issue, should not be the catalyst to blow a hole in an otherwise healthy and enjoyable relationship.

It’s important that all of us pay close attention to our activity and mental state on all levels. The ‘perceived normal’ at the moment actually may not be. Anxiety, irritability, obsessiveness and depression are devastating to humans.

Please be careful, talk to appropriate professionals if things are tilting, and stay well.

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Dave Towne

Certified Residential RE Appraiser at Towne Appraisals

AGA, MNAA, Accredited Green Appraiser - Licensed in WA State since 2003.
Dave Towne on e-AppraisersDirectory.com

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