Skip to content

Pandemic allowed for this Bradford resident to heal from despression and start anew

For Amanda Richardson the pandemic gave her a much-needed break and a chance for personal growth
amandarichardson
Amanda Richardson and family camping this summer.

For Bradford resident Amanda Richardson, the pandemic was a much-needed break that allowed her to get closer to her family and find a new career path.

"By the start of 2020 I was on my way to what felt like a breakdown, my doctor said I was in a high functioning depression," shared Richardson. "I started medication in February, but that day in March when I was told my work (a retail store) would have to close was the start of my real healing."

Richardson believes the pandemic actually made her a happier person, forcing her to slow down and take a break. 

"I am aware I am one of a few that is grateful for the lockdown and welcomed it with open arms," she said. "My brain and body finally got a chance to heal from a draining depression."

Richardson was out of work from March to October 2020 and she enjoyed each day off to the fullest.

"I reconnected with my husband and got to be the stay-at-home mom of my six-year-old that I had always wished I could be," she said. "He’s struggled some as an only child in these times but has handled pretty well overall."

She and her family enjoyed their summer camping, which she says wouldn't have happened had they not been in the pandemic.  

"I would happily do it all over again," she said. 

Career-wise, she realized retail was no longer where she wanted to be. It didn't give her the work/life balance she desired which she so desperately needed.

She was called back to work in the middle of October, and not even two months later the province was put back into lockdown and she was out of work again.

"Again, I welcomed it. A Christmas that wasn’t rushed through because I was working all hours with no time to enjoy it," she said. " I made Christmas memories with my son I wouldn’t of if things were 'normal'."

During those two months of not working, she was able to connect with one of her customers with who she has built a relationship with over the years. 

"Two days before lockdown, with her encouragement and recommendation I was given an interview at her place of work. A place that puts family and balance above everything else. I started my new year in a brand new job, that currently has me working at home, in a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday role for the first and only time in 18 years."

"2019 was my dumpster fire year, the one I couldn’t wait to be over. 2020 was the start of healing and ended with a new beginning, and I am ever so grateful for every day."

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, BradfordToday is doing a series featuring members of the community and how they have persevered.   If you have a unique story to share send an email to [email protected]
 


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
Read more

Reader Feedback