We use our emotions, rather than reason, to cope with unknowns. It is how humans are currently hardwired. We go subjective, filtering some facts through our personal histories, values, beliefs and societal norms and then react, or respond, from an emotional place. And the unknowns of Coronavirus—how it will affect us, how many of us will get sick, how to really stay safe, how to keep paying the bills—is right here, in our face. Yet we can’t see it. We can’t see how this will end. So we start to feel vulnerable, afraid. And then quickly reach to find ways to manage and control those seemingly out-of-control feelings. We buy toilet paper. We quietly stock our freezer. We go into survival mode.
We may—or may not—be more afraid than we need to be about the Coronavirus. Even that feels annoyingly unclear, how much, and what, do I need to be afraid of? We are all kind of free falling at the moment. Yet we still have choices—we can decide how to proceed, after the surges of emotion subside (and they do ebb and flow).
So what to do?
Know it is instinctive to look for a sense of control or to look for ways to control things that feel out-of control.
When we over-react, worry, obsessively read the news, we may be creating for ourselves added risk—for these mental activities often lead to increased stress. And stress suppresses our immune system, which then makes us more susceptible to illnesses, viruses.
Recognize and notice your reactions—this could be a healthier way to harness a sense of control. Try not to always avoid those uncomfortable feelings, let them be there for a bit. Then ask yourself what the wisest next step could be. Is it to consciously distract yourself with an online dance party? Call up a trusted friend? Take some sort of action? You get to have choices.
You are not alone in this—even if you are feeling isolated and cut off.
A lot of us are adjusting, and adjusting quickly. I don’t know how this will play out—yet I do know that cooperation, collaboration and helping others will lead us down a healthier path than going it alone, feeling like we have to hoard, and not trusting humanity. This is paradoxical if you’ve been asked to shelter in place, and literally cannot physically connect with others. And there are ways to still connect, and it may take some getting used to, or it may not feel the same.
Get back to basics: sleep, food, water, shelter. Ask yourself if you need to focus on improving any of these areas, and what you could do to improve your basic functioning.
If it all feels wayyy too much, reach out of a licensed therapist, counselor or talk line. You aren’t weak to do so. These are intense times.
Be well :) you can get through this. More tips soon.
If the recent pandemic has affected your ability to cope, anxiety treatment can help you overcome these issues. Reach out to me through my contact form to start your healing journey.