Does the Coronavirus Outbreak Scare You?

Every day the news surrounding the Coronavirus gets more dark and scary. Every day we hear and see the numbers of those infected grow and death count grow with it. On top of that, throw in the financial crashes and worries both nationally and locally about whether businesses will be able to stay open and we’ll be able to continue getting paid or not.

All of this is scary stuff. So when you ask yourself why you’re scared, know that the answer is because right now, it’s OK to be scared. Frankly, I’m much more concerned about those who aren’t afraid. Being afraid is human and is OK. Allowing that fear to take over your life, isn’t.

The main thing is to KNOW THE FACTS! Right now so many are throwing out alternative facts or even lies. Some are trying to ignore the problem. It’s here and it is a problem. Some are ignoring science. Science is the only way out of this. Some are so scared they will and are doing anything they can do, to convince themselves it’s an overreaction and in fact, the Coronavirus is simply the cold or the flu. No, no it’s not!

So what can you do that might help you to not be so scared? Well, here are some suggestions…

  • Find the facts. Understand the facts and then figure out how those facts affect you.
  • Listen to the scientists and the doctors.
  • Figure out how you can protect yourself but at the same time, still live your life.
  • Make sure you’re respecting others too. In other words, if you’re in a high-risk group start to distance yourself from people. And certainly, if you’re sick, don’t go to work or school or please, please, please don’t go visit your mom or dad or grandpa or gramma until you’re symptom-free for a couple of weeks.
  • If it makes you feel better to set up deliveries instead of going to stores, then do it!
  • Contact those in your life you are worried about and tell them your concerns. This not only helps them but helps you!
  • WORRY ONLY ABOUT THE THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL! Spending all that energy on worrying about stuff you can’t control will only help to increase the fear.
  • Know that things in the world, in the country and in your home will change! That simply means you’ll need to adjust to the current reality and move on from there.
  • If you need help, ask for it. That goes for physical help but also for mental or spiritual help. Reach out to those you think can help and if you feel the walls of anxiety and fear closing in, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
  • Keep a list of phone numbers handy of the local First responders , your doctor(s), your kids or your mom and dad but also the numbers of some close friends you might want to check in on or might want to check in with. Keep the names of people who can help you if you begin feeling anxious or fearful.
  • Follow the direction of scientists and doctors. Follow the directions of your local doctors and medical professionals. Listen to them. Ask them questions until you understand.

I’ll say it again, It’s OK to feel scared about what is going on right now. Knowing how you feel and why, is the first step to controlling and using your energies to protect yourself, your family and friends and those you’ll come in contact with.

I have an old friend who, if they were here with me, would tell me to ASSESS,  ADAPT,  and  OVERCOME  and he’d be right!

ASSESS the facts and where you fit in.

ADAPT to the new reality, whatever it is.

OVERCOME the new challenges of a new reality and your new fears that come with it.

You can do this! I believe in you…

Peace

     …..Gregg