As uncertainty and fear surrounding the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic dominates our minds and lives, note that in addition to taking measures to safeguard ourselves physically, it is equally important to do so mentally.
The COVID-19 virus brings a lot of “unknowns.” It is a topic of destruction that continues to contaminate not only the bodies of vulnerable individuals but is also buying up unauthorized real estate in otherwise healthy minds.
The majority of us have never experienced anything like it. Sure, we hear about things like this happening in other parts of the world. We have become accustomed to devastation, destruction, and deadly plagues when it is “over there.” Although we see it and hear about it, some of us can’t quite fathom the reality of what others are truly going through, but this — this is different. It is not just “there” any more. It is “here,” everywhere; it now affects us — all of us!
People are beginning to panic. Hoarding (aka grocery shopping) means employees are working overtime to stock shelves that are emptied the moment they are filled. Healthcare workers are being pushed beyond their limits, as are a number of other first responders. Non-essential businesses have been mandated to close their doors and toilet paper has become the world’s Number One form of comfort and security.
In other words, due to the excessive amount of negativity surrounding us, our judgement has been clouded, making it difficult for many people to make rational decisions. We are bombarded by news, social media and those around us spreading discouragement and fear. What’s worse is that we are allowing it, day in and day out.
What about media distancing?
What would happen if we didn’t turn on the TV, radio or social media for a time? Would it change the situation we are in? No. But what it would do is this:
Imagine our body is a car that requires a nervous system to make it function.
Let’s say the gas pedal is the sympathetic nervous system and the brake is the parasympathetic nervous system.
When the brake is applied, our body is in rest mode, our heart rate and blood pressure decreases, giving the body an opportunity to feel calm and detox effectively.
But when you step on the gas pedal, adrenaline is released. Increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing pushes our body into “alert or danger” mode, also known as the fight or flight response.
Exposure to constant negativity and stress takes its toll on our complete being. It’s like keeping our foot on the gas pedal and never applying the brake. The gas gauge will eventually show “empty.” Its purpose is not to immediately stop the car from running, but rather to provide us with a warning that refuelling in a short span of time is necessary to keep running.
Our bodies have not been designed to live in a constant state of stress or danger, so my advice is:
Pay attention to the gas gauge. Refuelling is required.
Practical measures
Should be we careful, stay informed and take precautions? Absolutely! Wearing gloves, hand-washing, disinfecting surfaces, and practicing physical distancing helps protect our physical being from exposure to COVID-19. Similarly, media and news distancing can help to protect our mental well-being.
Everyone is going through this. No one is exempt.
In order to get this pandemic under control, we all need to take personal responsibility for our actions. As a community, we need to consider the needs of those who do not have the resources to, for instance, purchase large quantities of food and make a decision to share. Encouragement and support is not solely found in word but also in deed.
Don’t rely on toilet paper for comfort. Instead, rely on the resource that lies deep within the hearts of all of us: the gift of love and selflessness, the gift of instilling hope amid despair.
Let’s all step up and do our part.
Tips to de-stress:
There are numerous ways to de-stress. Here are a few suggestions:
- listen to music
- play a game
- laugh
- paint or draw
- practice 7/11 breathing: breathe in for count of 7, then release the breath for a count of 11
- write down your worries
Author’s note: Living in isolation can be detrimental to an individual’s health and well being. If you are experiencing fear, loneliness or helplessness, or just need someone to talk to, please call me at 613 633 7674. During the month of April, all consultations will be free. Please be advised that your identity and information will always remain confidential.
About the author: Brenda Strack, a Valley native, is a certified counsellor in Barry’s Bay practising as Madawaska Valley Counselling Services. She uses Integrative Counselling to tailor a therapeutic approach specific to the needs of each individual. For more information see mvcounselling.com
Lego photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels
