The Psychology of Pandemic Flux Syndrome (And What Can We Do About It)

As we start a new year, Omicron continues to spread bringing back the fears and stories of loss and disruption. Just over two years into the pandemic and the fight is far from over.

As this liminal phase prolongs, it continues to take a heavy toll on our mental health.

I had the wonderful privilege of working with renowned social psychologist, author of the best selling book “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges“, TEDx speaker and Harvard Business School Exec Ed Faculty Amy Cuddy to illustrate her insights on what she calls “Pandemic Flux Syndrome” defined as:

“A stew of conflicting feelings of hope and fear, as people grapple with this constant flux that we’re living through — swings and mixed signals of threats, policies and mandates, and uncertain social behavior that can feel like quicksand, almost defying comprehension.”

In her The Washington Post article as well as on Dare to Lead podcast with Brené Brown, she offers valuable guidance on how we can cope with the Pandemic Flux Syndrome and also help others around us cope with it in leadership/organizational context. I highly recommend that you check them out.

Here is a two-part sketchnote that I created with Amy.

Part – 1 What is Pandemic Flux Syndrome

Part 2: How Do Cope? How do leaders help people cope, recover and recalibrate?

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