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Frustrated. Anxious. Angry. These are some of the emotions experienced by people with significant concerns about their health or the health and well-being of those they love.
In some areas of the United States, stay-at-home orders have been lifted and some businesses have started to reopen. These include states where infection, hospitalization, and death rates continue to rise and where scientific data indicates that such moves may be premature.
Actions to prematurely reopen contribute to the likelihood of more people getting infected, but also to an even further lessening of safety precautions, including social distancing. Safety guidelines implemented in these areas, such as pronouncements to “stay home if you feel sick” or the taking of clients' temperatures are questionable, as they don’t account for differences in symptom presentation or those who are asymptomatic.
Adding to the stress for those at most risk and who follow the advice of reputable organizations such as the CDC and WHO are disinformation narratives driven by economic/political aims, attempts to destabilize the country, or conspiracy theories. Confidence in scientifically-based information has been drastically reduced.
There are people who have welcomed the relaxation of stay-at-home orders and the opening of businesses for a variety of reasons. Many have seen their businesses or livelihoods take a massive hit and are struggling to make ends meet.
Yet people who are at a high health risk, or caring for someone at risk, such as the elderly, immunosuppressed, diabetics, or those with heart and lung disease, are having particularly negative reactions to the relaxation of stay-at-home orders and easing of restrictions. They include parents whose child struggles with asthma, individuals taking care of elderly parents, and people who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. These people are well aware of how vulnerable they and their loved ones are, having survived illnesses, hospitalizations, and near-death encounters. They understand the personal significance of the coronavirus pandemic and how one person's behavior has an impact on the lives of many others. They know what it means to take extra health precautions, avoid certain situations or behaviors which may aggravate a pre-existing health condition, and explain to others (sometimes in vain) the seriousness of their illness or disability and related triggers.
In the context of confusing, contradictory, and sometimes bogus information, individuals with health concerns may be viewed as overreacting. Their concerns regarding the dangers associated with the virus may go unheard or dismissed. For those continuing to stay at home, practice social distancing, and take protective measures as recommended by the CDC and health care professionals, the mantra “we are all in this together” seems like a distant memory. Feelings of isolation already experienced during social distancing may be exacerbated. The toll on emotional well-being is heavy and support is needed.
Following are five suggestions for people who find themselves in this situation.
1. Educate others in whatever way you can. Start with clear, scientifically-based information about the virus and what is known so far — it’s highly contagious, people may be asymptomatic and still have the virus, and that flattening the curve through social distancing is necessary as we don’t yet have a vaccine or treatment. Educate others about those who are at high risk for severe illness. You can go further and describe the importance of testing (diagnostic and antibody) and contact tracing. Statistics are available for each state where one may track its spread. Educate people on protective measures as outlined by the CDC and common myths.
2. Know that you are not crazy or alone. Many people have protested premature openings, lax policies, and misinformation. Many with underlying health conditions and those at high risk for severe illness are scared and feeling stressed. Their stories are often untold. Your reactions to a health crisis are valid.
3. Remind yourself that most people are doing the best they can. It is very easy to think that others who are not taking protective measures are selfish. This invariably leads to the building of resentment and further frustration; not helpful for one’s own mental and physical health or interpersonal relations. Some people, due to a combination of denial and desperation, will not heed warnings. Many are just following the misinformation they are exposed to in the silos and echo chambers of their social media feeds. They do not necessarily have ill intentions.
4. Connect with others who experience similar health risks, understand your situation, and can serve as a source of support as well as education. Many mental health services and groups have gone online during this pandemic. Online resources for dealing with anxiety and managing mental health are also available.
5. Let go. At some point, you need to know when to let go and focus on what you can control. Ultimately, we do not have control over other people’s behavior and perspective. However, you do have control over your own mood, thoughts, and behavior. Focusing on what you can control is more empowering than what you can not.
