The emerging global epidemic caused by COVID-19, the disease from the coronavirus, has both a physical and psychological impact on humans. While the morbidity and mortality of the contagion receives the greatest attention, the emotional aspect of fear and apprehension induced by the outbreak can be pervasive, harder to measure and potentially harmful to an individual’s mental state.
Throughout history, anxiety has been a common occurrence within populations caught in the path of an epidemic. Modern citizens’ foreboding about the coronavirus is no less than it was for previous generations facing similar widespread disorders.
This dread is well founded. Reports of past major catastrophic ailments that decimated human societies illustrate the serious nature of global epidemics. While the coronavirus is currently not as widespread as previous pandemics, the potential for a worldwide cataclysm has produced heightened mental distress in many individuals.
In ancient Athens an enigmatic contagion in 430 B.C. killed nearly 25% of the population. A detailed contemporary account delineated the physical symptoms, the citizens’ mental angst, and social disintegration that resulted from the epidemic.
With no beneficial medical treatments available, the famous Greek physician Hippocrates was said to have counseled distraught Athenians to “go fast, go far and return slowly.”
In the mid 14th century the Black Death, or bubonic plague, killed more than 50 million people. The social and economic consequences were monumental as communities were shattered. Beyond the physical deaths, survivors faced an uncertain future with trepidation as the affliction provoked realignment of the medieval society.
Of the many different human epidemic diseases, smallpox was likely the most feared long-term contagion. It is featured in all recorded history; over time it killed and inflicted suffering upon billions of humans. Smallpox was the first infection to have an effective vaccine and currently the only global infirmity to have been completely eradicated.
While smallpox caused death over thousands of years, the influenza pandemic or the Spanish flu was a worldwide outbreak of frightening virulence. From 1918-1919 the malady killed an estimated 50-70 million people.
It triggered significant psychological distress among survivors because it struck down many previously healthy young people who normally would have been resistant to this type of infection.
More recently Ebola, Zika and SARS all produced widespread morbidity and mortality and disruption in the regions affected before treatment plans were developed.
Similar to what occurred with historic epidemics, fear evoked by the coronavirus eruption is an instinctual powerful human reaction. Fright and alarm are natural emotional responses to both perceived and/or real threats that may impact an individual’s physical well-being.
Depending upon its degree of authenticity, information received by an individual about a crisis can either be a catalyst for elevating fear or a means to effectively reduce anxiety.
When science-based data and common-sense guidance from a respected source like the CDC is used, one can appropriately prepare for the impending outbreak without undue apprehension and significant mental stress.
Dr. Jonathan L. Stolz is a retired physician and author of the book “Medicine from Cave Dwellers to Millennials.”
