FEAR
Whenever I think of
a personal fear my thoughts shift to some visual impression of coping with that
fear. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fear of snakes. Now I
think of one movie that summarizes it all, ‘After Earth’ starring Will
Smith as he explains fear to his son to complete tasks for their rescue after
crashing on an isolated planet, Earth. That was once inhabited by humans
but exited due to environmental and climate change impacts.
“Fear is not real. The only
place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a
product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present
and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand
me danger is very real but fear is a choice.” (Another Earth)
This
gets me by in fearful situations. Many of us have been in life and death
struggles, and fear has lifted its’ head to complicate the situation.
Develop your coping mechanism during this period.
Coping with
Fear and COVID-19
Anxiety
is understandably high as we are learning more about the spread of this
disease. There can be fear even if you live in an area where the
disease hasn’t occurred.
The information below may be helpful in
managing the fear you may feel. Resources for up-to-date medical
information and advice about coronavirus are at the end of this message.
Managing Fears
A good way to manage any kind of fear is to become educated about it.
The more
we know about the real dangers, the more we can take effective steps to avoid
or minimize them, thereby putting some fears to rest. Accurate
information is an effective antidote to unrealistic fears.
Monitor your exposure to the news. Media news coverage can arouse emotion
and increase fear. It’s important to get the facts, but it may not
be helpful to hear reports over and over. Be aware of how you and
family members respond to news stories. Limit television or online
coverage if it becomes distressing.
Put your risk into perspective. The risk of contracting coronavirus in
the U.S. is low at this time. It’s important to stay aware and
informed, but try to make sure your level of fear does not exceed your risk
factors. If you have specific concerns, contact your health care
professional
Put this disease in context. The term “pandemic” can
be very scary. It means cases of a new disease are showing up around
the world and may spread rapidly because people don’t have immunity.
However, this term doesn’t indicate how dangerous it’s likely to be.
We’re exposed to health risks every day. The good health habits you use
to reduce the risk of communicable diseases, such as washing hands
frequently, are some of the same precautions recommended for coronavirus.
Focus on what you have control over. News stories and images about the spread
of a disease can make us feel anxious and helpless. Knowing how to
minimize your risk can reduce anxiety. The World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have
information about how to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.
They offer advice and directions in the event you must travel to a place
where the virus has been identified. A link to travel information is
included at the end of this article.
Be always aware, but not always fearful. Awareness means paying attention to news
that is specific to where you live and where you may travel. Awareness
is not the same as being fearful. Constant fear that isn’t
reality-based can create stress and be counter-productive. It can be
harder to deal with a true risk when everything seems like a danger. We
want to focus on what is happening, rather than getting caught up in
thoughts of what could happen.
Notice if fear begins to become panic. Ask yourself if unreasonable fear is
changing your behaviors, for example, being afraid to leave your home or
letting children attend school. You might find yourself avoiding places
or people of a certain ethnicity. These may be signs that you could
benefit from additional support.
Take a break from the fears. Try to shift your focus
away from stressful thoughts. Spend time doing things you enjoy that
help you feel calm and balanced.
If children have fears, give them honest information at a level
they can understand. You don’t need to explain everything about the
virus and risk. Give them only as much information as they
request. Encourage your children to talk to you about their thoughts
and feelings. Listen to their concerns, and then reassure them.
For example, point out that the risk in the U.S. and Canada is very
low. Explain that there are steps that everyone can take to protect
themselves. Limit your child’s exposure to news reports. Seeing
repeated coverage can be disturbing. It can be helpful to watch the
news with your child and discuss it afterwards.
If you have no reason to believe you have been
exposed to the virus, you can go about your normal daily activities.
Understand that national and international health organizations are working
diligently to understand the risks, treatment, and keep the public safe.
Resources
for more information
World
Health Organization (WHO):
WHO
travel information:
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
CDC
travel information:
|
Take care of both
your physical and mental health. Not only for yourself, but those nearest
to you. Your loved ones.
CDS
Charles D. Sharp
Cornell
University Climate Fellow
Chairman
Emeritus\CEO
Black Emergency
Managers Association
International
1231-B Good Hope
Road. S.E.
Washington,
D.C. 20020
Office:
202-618-9097
bEMA International
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