Posted on 03/21/2020 6:25:16 AM PDT by Antoninus
As the COVID-19 virus sweeps the world, it is easy to become anxious and fearful. I recently learned of a close friend who nearly succumbed to the COVID-19 virus. While my friend was immunocompromised, his illness was a reminder as to how this contagion can affect our loved ones.
In addition, my institution, like many others, has appropriately canceled elective surgeries for at least 2 weeks. The loss of income, coupled with the market decline, can easily fuel a quick descent into despair. I have found the following tips useful in maintaining calm during the storm:
-Stay informed, but not inundated with news. Research has shown that obsessive attention to media coverage of tragic events increases stress and potentiates need for media seeking. It is important to stay apprised of the facts and become aware of preventative strategies. However, don’t fall into the trap of convulsively following the news, feeding your brain nothing but negativity.
-Arm yourself with the facts. The truth is 80% of people afflicted with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms and most infected patients recover. In addition, infections have been rare in children. While the estimated mortality rate of COVID-19 is 3.4%, most reasonably healthy individuals will overcome the virus.
-Adopt a routine. Keeping a schedule, even while at home, can introduce some measure of control over your life. Adhering to one’s usual bedtime lessens the amount of change in these uncertain times. Make sure to pencil in time for rest and exercise – two powerful immune systems boosters.
-Accept the facts. Accept the fact that each of us will suffer a loss of income. However, we live in the most resilient country on the planet and good times will return. Thankfully, those of us in medicine will not realize starvation or abject poverty. This too shall pass.
-Focus on what you can do. There are things you can do to prevent contraction and spread of disease including, social distancing, frequent handwashing, avoidance of touching your face and maintaining general sound health. Since the virus spreads exponentially, even small changes can translate to considerable effects.
-Look outward. When we direct our attention to the greater good of protecting our patients and loved ones, we focus less on our own inconveniences. Our health system recently (and appropriately) canceled all non-urgent patient visits at least 2 weeks. When one engages in a cause bigger than one’s own interests, meaning and purpose manifest. The sacrifices are directed at a noble cause – the safety and wellbeing of our fellow Americans. This makes the effort worthwhile.
-Practice relaxation techniques. Practice a relaxation technique, such as mediation or mindfulness exercises. Any “presence” practice will keep racing and catastrophic thinking at bay. Journaling has been an effective tool for me as writing helps bring me clarity and perspective.
-Remember the Silver Linings Playbook. There is always a “gift” to whatever misfortune may befall us. Working from home seems to increase efficacy in some domains, as well as inspiring creativity. I have used this temporary respite to catch up on some writing, reading of non-medical literature and, most importantly, spending time with loved ones. Use this rarely experienced down time to evaluate your life and amend your personal mission statement. Invest more in fitness and hobbies. Tackle some projects which have eluded completion.
The COVID-19 pandemic will soon be history. Let’s seize this opportunity to control what we can, accept what we can’t and take full advantage of the innumerable hidden blessings that await us.
Some of the most sane and cogent words I’ve seen on the subject. Thanks for posting.
Agree. I particularly liked this part: “-Stay informed, but not inundated with news. Research has shown that obsessive attention to media coverage of tragic events increases stress and potentiates need for media seeking. It is important to stay apprised of the facts and become aware of preventative strategies. However, don’t fall into the trap of convulsively following the news, feeding your brain nothing but negativity.”
Too many of us on FR have that “obsessive attention to media coverage.” It’s bad for you.
Thanks for posting this!
Rich doctor can finger paint in his mansion while millions out of work slowly dying waiting on a $1000 government check.
Yeah great advice.
“While the estimated mortality rate of COVID-19 is 3.4%, most reasonably healthy individuals will overcome the virus.”
I think that mortality figure is likely to be a lot less in the USA.
Otherwise, the good doctor offers plenty of common sense.
I learned the lesson of what too much news coverage does to your mind after 9/11. Some co-workers became concerned about my mental state and urged me to unplug.
The mortality figure can be tragic without being catastrophic. Sad but true.
Check?
The local Chase Bank is closed here.
Allow self-employment taxpayers to claim back 2018/2019 and waive 2020 SE tax payments in exchange for a four percent per year future SS benefit reduction.
This could be over the Internet and payment sent to the SE taxpayer electronically using the taxpayer’s checking account ABA routing number.
The issue is this: If people don’t start practicing extreme social distancing on their own, you will never overcome the spread of this. My brother is the CEO of a small but worldwide health supplier company, and they are studying and tracking this virus on their own, as are other medical companies. He predicted that here in Texas, the number of cases would double about every 6 days. And, it is right on schedule. The ONLY places that have a hold on this is China and Korea, and that’s because they engaged in extreme and aggressive measures of quarantine, social distancing, and testing.
If you want to stop the spread of this, STAY HOME!
Change the narrative. Instead of reporting the growing number of cases in each state, just report the number actually hospitalized. What sounds worse, 5 people in your state hospitalized with the virus or 100 new cases reported......?
Wonderful common sense advice, which has been lacking in this flu panic.
Better tell Lookner.
Please don't. China's number are highly suspect.
Please don't. China's number are highly suspect.
Too late. The country has lost its collective minds. China is laughing all the way to their banks. We shut down right in the middle of telling them we want industry back in our own country, but then we go and shut down those industries to the benefit of China.
We are really dumb.
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