I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve been feeling pretty “blah” lately. Not necessarily depressed; it’s more like an extreme sense of helplessness combined with media fatigue. I don’t mind the social distancing too much – after all, I’m a thirty-something mom of three young children. I have been social distancing for years. And, despite how scary things are on the outside, I must admit – my husband and I have been having some really lovely, cosy times at home with the kids. Long may they last (they also spend an ample amount of time screaming and fighting – I assume just like every other family).

I am aware of – and constantly thinking about – the large number of people, mainly older or those with poor immune systems, who are self-isolating and are frightened about what lies ahead. These people are my neighbours, friends and members of my extended family.

I have been taking the time to send messages over social media, or make phone calls

People I love, but with whom I can’t physically spend any time for the foreseeable future. It hurts that they’re afraid and that I can’t be there for them. I have been taking the time to send messages over social media, or make phone calls, to make sure that they know I will do whatever needs doing. Shopping, post office runs – even if they want a bottle of wine for their Friday night in, I want them to know that even though I can’t be there; I will still be “there”.

I thought the increased isolation would trigger my anxiety, or that the children underfoot would make me go insane, but so far neither has happened. I’m feeling fairly calm and determined to get this over and done with; and hoping we get things under control with much less tragedy than other parts of the world have seen.

I love the Mr Fred Rogers quote that always makes the rounds during difficult times. I first heard it in the shocking aftermath of 9/11. As with most kids growing up in Ireland, I wouldn’t have watched Mr Rogers on television growing up, but he seemed like a delightful and kind man – both on and off screen – and I can see why he is considered such an American icon and top role model for children.

Today, in our own country, I see chefs (who have shut down their own restaurants in the interest of public safety) now cooking for first responders and frontline health care workers

He famously said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers; you will always find people who are helping’.”

This has been my mantra ever since. As a scared teenager watching those airplanes hit the Twin Towers in New York (again and again), I saw firefighters and other everyday Americans come together to help.

Today, in our own country, I see chefs (who have shut down their own restaurants in the interest of public safety) now cooking for first responders and frontline health care workers. I see farmers taking extreme precautions to ensure their product is handled safely for processing. I see exhausted doctors and nurses putting their own health on the line to help those who need it. And I see every day Irish citizens staying home, keeping their distance and practising restraint in a time when it is crucial to do so.

I realise the biggest and best way I can help is to continue to stay at home

So, yes, it is exhausting to turn on the television, to log on to Twitter or read the newspaper with so much sadness occurring in the world and so much uncertainty. But I need to remember – and maybe you do, too – that there are so many wonderful people out there who are helping.

This is what drives me to help, too. And, while I will always be there for those closest to me, in any way needed, I realise the biggest and best way I can help is to continue to stay at home. To listen to the healthcare experts who are telling us how to stop the spread of coronavirus and to enjoy those cosy evenings spent in front of the TV with my kids.

Before things got too bad, I went out and bought a football so we can get some exercise in our backyard. I also caved and signed up to Disney Plus. Now is not the time to shame parents about the dangers of screen time. If you don’t mind, I’m going back to my cocoon (and to The Mighty Ducks). See you when all of this is over.