Tips to Help with the Looming Panic and Anxiety Surrounding Coronavirus
On December 31, while the rest of the world was gearing up for a new decade — one less shit than its predecessor — the WHO was receiving reports of a new deadly virus.
And, unless you're a member of an indigenous tribe in the butt fuck of nowhere, you don’t need me to make a formal introduction. Involving both a man and a bat, the Coronavirus was born in Wuhan, China, late 2019.
And as they say, the rest is history. Although, unfortunately, it's not yet history. It's still unfolding. And because none of us have lived through anything remotely like this in our history — not all of history — the entire world is spiraling into a state of chaos, and panic.
Alas, with such uncertainty comes much anxiety. They are as connected as Jack & Jill, Bert & Ernie, Bonnie & Clyde, Adam & Eve.
I guess the good news in all this is that you don't need a diagnosis. Your anxiety is normal. You don't have to worry about a stigma because everyone is shitting themselves. Literally. Why else would you have people fighting in the toilet paper aisle for a lifetimes supply? It's because they are nervous. And when they're nervous—they shit!
And so it seems, 2020 will not be the year of redemption so many were hoping for. It will likely be one of the most challenging times we have ever faced as a global society together.
“And it should most certainly be remembered as the year in which the entire world got fucked by a bat. ”
Now, I'm not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. What's going to happen or what's not going to happen. I'm nor a scientist or an epidemiologist or a person with any experience whatsoever in what the fuck is going on.
I do, however, know anxiety and panic because I have experienced the worst of it. And I can tell — with 100% certainty — that your panicking will do SFA to help your situation or the situation of those around you.
In fact, it will only make things worse. Way worse. Not only will it spread more panic, but your high state of stress will deplete your immune system, which is precisely what you want fighting fit for you right now should you happen to get it.
It's also worth noting that most of us are self-isolating or practicing social distancing, so for now, you are relatively safe. Let us also not forget about the scientists and other really smart people around the world that are working their asses off — together, in unison — to find us a vaccine. And when they do, life will go on.
In the meantime, here are a few things to consider to help you through these uncertain times:
Perspective
As evident in supermarkets around the world, panic can fuel selfish behaviour. All logic goes out the window as we turn into an irrational bunch of — arguably less evolved — Orangutans.
Take a step back every now and again to gain some perspective. And ask yourself if your reaction is warranted or in any way beneficial?
The more we spiral into a panic, the worse it all gets, and the more difficult it becomes to get out.
Your panic will not help you or anyone around you. It will only help the virus. So seek perspective.
2. Stick with the facts.
By seeking out the facts and only the facts, you will begin to find that much-needed perspective you need.
Much of what you are consuming right now is written by people no more qualified than me. That is, they have no clue whatsoever as to what they are talking about.
Stick to the facts — only the facts. And try to ignore everything else.
3. Take a break from both social and regular media.
Far more contagious than the virus is fear. But is it going to help you in any way?
That's a rhetorical question to which the answer is NO.
Of course, you want to stay informed, but it is all too easy to go down that fear-inducing rabbit hole that will only end in panic — especially with so much time on your hand.
And when you are looking to be informed, use credible sources only.
4. Be considerate of others.
Many are fearful and hurting right now. Because of that, we have an opportunity to come together as a species and show we actually care for one another and that we aren't just a bunch of selfish pricks.
Personally, I've strong reservations around this one. Still, worth a shot.
Anyone working on the frontline right now while we sit back from the comfort of our own homes needs to be given more than a medal when this is all said and done.
It is perfectly natural to think of oneself first, but spare a thought for those working their asses off and risking their lives to save others. And I include anyone working in supermarkets. Not only are they providing a critical service. They are having to deal with absolute maniacs.
5. Focus only on what you can control.
Everything seems out of control right now, so that's where your focus will be. You can — and should — shift it.
Many of us have been given a gift we pine for all our lives: Time. So why not put it to good use and seek out positive distractions?
Why not use it wisely and plan to ensure you come out of this stronger? Use it to develop skills that will make you more agile and mentally stronger when it's all said and done.
Get yourself some great books, do yoga, meditate, eat healthily, and strengthen that immune system. Cook, clean, find a hobby you love. Or just chill. Watch Netflix, play games, catch up with loved ones on video calls.
There is so much positive you can begin to focus on. Placing all your attention on the negative is not going to change reality. Because most of that is out of your control.
6. Finally, don't be a dick.
Yes, you might be young. Yes, your immune system might be strong. And yes, if you get it, it probably won't be that big a deal.
This is not about you. There's nothing cool about the self-righteous asshole trying to be cool through all this.
Our governments, scientists, and healthcare professionals on the frontline have made some requests of us to help contain this bitch and give healthcare systems the world over a fighting chance at saving the lives of those who are — and will be — infected. To buy them some time to figure shit out and better prepare.
Doctors, Nurses, and all healthcare workers who are already physically and mentally exhausted are having to work harder than most will ever know to save more lives while watching more people die.
*If you don't like your government, fine. Fuck 'em. Don't do it for them. Do it for those giving their everything to save the lives of those who could easily be your grandparents, your parents, your siblings, and your friends. Or even you?
Let's give them a fighting chance. Let's give the scientists working night and day to find a vaccine a fighting chance. And let's, for once — even though they've given us plenty of reasons not to — trust our governments, and listen to the experts.
*I’m Irish, so I’m only speaking to how our Government has reacted. I still think Trump is the biggest knob on the planet. And nobody should ever listen to him.
Let us not forget, human beings are adaptable.
That's what we do. That's what we have always done. This is just new. So it's scary. We just haven't gotten used to it.
Human life has always been tragic. There is arguably a lot worse going on in the world right now, but because we are used to it, we rarely give it a second thought.
Shit's going down. We will get used to it. It might be a new normal. But we will get used to it. And there will likely be a vaccine in the not-too-distant future.
In the meantime, take care of yourself. Take care of others. Look after your health. Look after the health of others. Laugh, make jokes, keep creating those memes, and go about your life as best you can.
And don't forget to check in on those living alone. Chances are they are feeling extremely lonely and will be very grateful to see your ugly mug popping up on their screen right now.