For our first topic post, I want to talk about fear of the unknown as it relates to COVID-19. I know our first introductory post stated our first OFFICIAL post would be posted mid-April. I've changed my mind. I think this is worth talking about now - I mean, why wait, right? So let's go ahead. And I would appreciate your feedback and commentary on the issue at hand.
As we're all stocking up, cancelling plans, and seeing the effects of this virus on our country and on our world, we start to worry. We start to fear what is happening and what will happen. Yes, we all need to be taking steps to prepare for self-quarantine and social distancing. We need to be getting used to the idea of being inside and away from other for a while. However, we also need to be aware of the pitfalls with our worrying and fear that goes into preparing 'for the worst'.
For example, social media. Man, I'll tell you, in the past two or three weeks, I've been seeing so many Facebook friends sharing bogus news stories, memes making light of the situation, and obscene attacks against people who have been preparing themselves and their families for the worst. What do you want them to do? I mean, honestly... But this is where some of the problem lies.
And then there's watching the news. This kinda goes hand-in-hand with social media as far as how a lot of what we see is a dramatized version of the current situation rather than a useful, realistic perspective. I believe, because of the reporting and the mass hysteria that this virus has brought about, many people have come to believe this as a hoax and a political game to get certain people out of office... or get them back in. Let's not focus on this so much. Misinformation is harmful and drives at mass hysteria. For example, about a week ago, I saw someone posting on Facebook about people drinking bleach in hopes of ridding themselves and desensitizing their systems from COVID-19. This is harmful because people could buy into this... people that are very suggestible and that feel very desperate in this situation.
This is where we need to be aware. Many of us are involved in some kind of social media. Instead of posting news articles that outline the negatives (as they often do) reach out to friends whom you haven't talked to in millennia and see how they are and how they're dealing with the situation. Be there for someone, even if you can't physically be there for them. Send stupid but funny cat videos; I do. Memes are good too!
Just as many minimalists think, am I adding value to x by doing y ? Am I creating or taking away from something that should have value?
There are many things to fear. Anticipating what could happen is called fortunetelling; none of us need this. None of us need to project a possible future onto others or ourselves... especially when we know we're projecting onto others that have trouble separating fact from fiction. In this time, as psych students and as individuals in a great country and great world, we must think before we share something, say something, and do something. With this virus, there are many things at stake, but one way we can beat this and practice resilience in the face of other situations now and in the future is to be aware. Think about where you fit in with the rest of your roommates, peers, friends, and family members, and ask yourself, does this add value? Add value, not uncertainty. Knowledge, calm, and distance; not insanity.
Stay tuned for a new post next week!
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