Corona is frightening – here’s how to avoid freaking out

Yeah, I can’t lie, I’ve been stressed about Corona too. As I type this on Saturday morning, 103,739 people have the disease and 3,522 have died. By the time you read this, sadly, both of those numbers will have increased.

Corona is obviously having major ramifications on the world economy, and economists have noted that the potential for this disease to harm our wallets is extremely high. The federal government isn’t exactly doing a bang-up job of instilling confidence in their ability to fight back against this disease, with the President and his staff regularly boasting that the disease is contained when we know that just isn’t true.

An objective look at the facts makes it very likely that the disease is only going to get worse. And, if you have a mental illness, this is likely enough to cause no shortage of panic or anxiety. I had a regularly scheduled appointment with my therapist the other day and asked him if Corona was coming up more often in sessions; he said yes, absolutely.

I certainly can’t blame anyone for being stressed about a potential worldwide pandemic. It is frightening, and even more so if you have a health condition that may make you more prone to becoming ill. That being said, I think that it is important that we keep the coronavirus in perspective and avoid treating it like a death sentence. There are some things we can do to maintain our mental health during this outbreak. Here’s a look.

Focus on what you CAN do

Anxiety – at least to me – is largely about control. I always feel most anxious in situations where I am somehow powerless or helpless, and I know that this is a relatively common theme. Corona is so frightening precisely because it seems as if you have so little control.

Look, that’s not exactly true. There are some things – many things – you can do right now. As noted by governmental officials, you should be:

• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands for 2 minutes and multiple times a day, avoid touching your face.
• Don’t travel to areas with noted outbreaks.
• Stock up on your emergency kits in the event that there is a disruption of day to day activities.
• Make plans for you and your family or work in the event that someone gets sick.
• Research the Coronavirus for symptoms. They appear to be flu-like symptoms.
• Only get your news from reputable sources. Read something on Twitter? Don’t believe it unless you can confirm it.

And once you do that: Stop. You’re okay. If you are doing everything you can to prevent Corona…well, good! You got this.

Recognize that anxiety has a use

This Lifehacker article on the subject absolutely nails it: Anxiety serves an evolutionary purpose. Yes, anxiety disorders are clearly not helpful, but remember, the purpose of anxiety is to keep you on your toes for any perceived threat. A bit of anxiety over a global pandemic is not a bad thing! It helps ensure that you are keeping informed of developments about the virus and that you don’t take this disorder too lightly.

When you’re feeling anxious, don’t try to suppress it. Try to logic your way through it. Ask yourself:

• What is the threat? Is there any immediate threat?
• Are you doing what you can to prevent and prepare for Corona?
• What do the authorities recommend that you do right now?
• Do you have an emergency plan?

If you’ve answered these questions satisfactorily, then you’re probably more prepared than the vast majority of society to deal with Corona. Congrats!

Limit your news intake

Throw CNN and Foxnews out the window.

Okay, don’t do that. But remember, the purpose of many news stations isn’t just to keep you informed. It’s to panic you so you need to constantly be turning the news on. These guys profit off of your fear, and yes, they have their use, but don’t sit there, staring at CNN, waiting for the next BREAKING NEWS ALERT (“Wolf Blitzer is coughing, what does this mean!?!?!”). Watch the news at regular intervals, certainly. Stay informed. But at some point, turn the damn TV off.

Of course, there are more tips, and I’d love to hear whatever your recommendations are for staying calm during a viral outbreak. Any tips you want to share with us? Leave them in the comments below!