These are scary times. There is a lot of uncertainty. A loss of control. A great worry for the current and potential future suffering.
Many of our lives are affected, or are going to be affected in the next few weeks as this progresses. But keep in mind, this self-quarantine and social distancing we are doing will help save lives. We will have to sacrifice some things we enjoy and need, so that someone else, who we likely won’t know, will have a better chance of living. Social distancing accomplishes this by helping to flatten the curve (please read about this if you haven’t already).
Another problem we have while we are practicing social distancing is managing information. As we’ve seen in the past 4-5 years, misinformation can divide us, create panic, foster hate, and put others at risk. The coronavirus is no different. We have a lot of stories coming from “my friend’s, friend said…”, social media coronavirus “experts”, and amature “science journalists”. Plus, this is a novel virus and it seems everyday things change.
So how do you stay sane?
Here are a few things you can do:
1. Stick to Reputable News Sources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the #1 place you should be going for updates and information
John Hopkins also has some great information
You should also look up your state government’s COVID-19 information. Here is North Carolina’s. Our government shut down stores and our local government is shutting down all unnecessary business. They are doing the right thing. But keep in mind your state may not be taking the necessary precautions, so always refer to #1.
Avoid any website you don’t recognize or haven’t heard of. Stick to reputable sources (Washington Post, BBC, The Economist, Wall Street Journal, etc.). However, even with those sites, remember the coronavirus is getting clicks and helping their business. There are a lot of amature science writers. Always go to the source (the study that the article is based off of).
Follow smart people. A few examples: Peter Attia, Rhonda Patrick, David Sinclair
Avoid uninformed/dramatic people: your friend that thought it was a hoax, your coworker that loves telling the horror stories from other countries or the frontline, your family member that thinks it’s just a cold
2. Remember There Is A Lot of Bad Journalism Out There
For example a recent article circulating social media makes it seem like 1 in 5 young adults landing in the hospital with the coronavirus. This is a scary number right?
Except the study shows that of those hospitalized, 1 in 5 were young adults between 20-54 (34 year age span). That’s a big difference.
Furthermore, the study they tried to write about found a mortality rate of “<1% among persons aged 20–54 years, and no fatalities among persons aged ≤19 years.”
This type of journalism is fear provoking. Maybe it will keep some of those selfish spring breakers from putting our communities in danger? But for the most part I think this will just scare a lot of people that are already struggling.
However, this does bring me to my next point...
3. Just because you're young doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply to you. You can spread it and kill others. Don’t be an asshole.
4. Just because you’re older and have been through alot, doesn’t mean you know what the hell is going on. If you’re over 60 or have any comorbidities (lung, heart, diabetes, etc.) stay home. Don’t be an idiot.
5. Maximize Actions, Minimize Things You Can’t Control
There’s a lot of scary news out there. A lot of it we can’t control directly, such as ventilator supply, people suffering, economic recession, etc.
By no means am I implying that these are not important. I am merely saying that these are things we (as individuals) cannot control right now.
Instead, we need to focus on what we can do. And this is practicing social distancing, good hand washing and hygiene, taking care of our health, and taking care of each other.
As Mother Teresa once said, “if you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
6. Have Gratitude
Our healthcare workers are making great sacrifices to take care of us. Our grocery store workers, supply chain workers, and law enforcement / firefighters are still out there working for us. We need to appreciate these people for helping our country in a time of great need while putting themselves at risk.
We can show our appreciation by abiding to the social distancing and self-quarantine. Hoarding, panicking, and ignoring precautions only hurt these people who are making sacrifices for the better of our communities.
We also should try to focus on some of the things we have around us. Gratitude has been proven to help mental health. It might be difficult to find things in times like these, but if we try hard enough I’m sure we can.
7. Support the Community
Many small businesses, artists, and restaurants are in trouble. Try to support them with gift cards, take out, or online purchases (not in person)
8. Try to Stay Positive and Healthy
Panicking and hoarding only hurts our community. Furthermore, this accomplishes nothing to help the situation.
Try to stay positive. Stay active both mentally and physically. You can still go on hikes, walks outside, exercise, etc. Pick up a hobby. Cook a healthy meal. Do a home project or knock off stuff on your to do list. Play a board game or do a puzzle with the family.
It hasn’t peaked yet in the US, but it will get better. This won’t last forever.
Everyday more Americans are making the right decision to stay home and protect their community. Our scientists and researchers are making progress everyday. And I am hopeful that our government will make the American people a priority and help us through this difficult time.
We will get through this. Be smart. Be safe. Stay positive. Love one another.