If There was Ever a Time to Watch out for Each Other, it's Today.

Okay, I wasn't going to do this.  I wasn't going to jump on the bandwagon and talk about COVID-19.  Although, apparently, yes I am.  Honestly, I would like to take a different approach and reassure you that whatever you are feeling about this disease and its effect on your life, it's okay.  I'm seeing a ton of thoughtless and insensitive, as well as uninformed and straight up inaccurate posts on social media.  (Remember, social media is not where you're supposed to get your news, or your advice.)  I've read posts that blame the President, blame the media, blame the Chinese for this pandemic.

I'm not all about that.  I'm about people staying well.

Our reactions to the spread of this disease are mainly out of fear and uncertainty.  We do tend to fear the unknown. As individuals, we know next to nothing.  Even the experts don't know as much as we'd like them to know, although, they are researching and finding out more everyday.  Who can say how much information they are releasing?  But, whatever the reality, human beings are going to have very unique reactions and responses to this uncertainty.   I do not care whether you think that this is going to wipe out the human population, or whether you think that it's all totally blown out of proportion.  I care that you are emotionally well.

As with other stressors that I've discussed, the reactions that we have to this crisis are our own.  I will say that I am not freaking out.  I'm not even really anxious.  Our reality is this:  hubby and I work in an elementary school;  daughter attends high school; another daughter attends college and lives in a dorm;  son lives in a city apartment, works in service, and his girlfriend is an ER nurse.  If the disease spreads as predicted, chances are that at least one of us will get the virus.  I'm not losing my mind over this, but I do have some concerns... I have a daughter whose lungs are compromised by asthma and small airways disease.  My mother is 86 and lives alone (and 7 hours away).  Hubby's mother is 85 and lives alone.  All reasonable concerns...we will be calm, reasonable, use common sense, follow guidelines, and be there for each other. 

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I'm okay, and that's great - for me. But some of us are scared, and anxious, and freaking out. Some of us have pre-existing mental health conditions that make it difficult to cope. Some of us have elderly relatives, family members living in nursing homes, or relatives with compromised immune systems.  Some of us are first responders or health care workers who are working in very uncertain conditions with little opportunity to protect ourselves.  Some of us have adult children who are living in high risk areas.  Some of us have loved ones who are already in quarantine or containment areas. Some have children, young or older, who are having difficulty coping. It's like anything else in life - everyone has their own story.  Be kind.  Be sensitive to people who may seem - to you - to be unreasonably worried or "over reacting."  We do not know what other people are going through. 

If you're struggling, it's time to show yourself a little mercy.  Be kind to yourself.  It may be helpful to limit TV and social media time, to spend time engaging with other people, or to set aside more time to practice self comforting.  Self comforting is a type of self care that focuses on gentle practices that soothe the senses, and is effective especially during times of high anxiety.

For comfort through sight- Focus on soft or low lighting, calming views, muted colors, a glowing fire.
For comfort through touch - Use soft blankets or clothing, pet an animal, relax in a bath, shower, or hot tub, sleep under a weighted blanket, or with a heating pad.
For comfort through sound - Listen to relaxing music, nature sounds, white noise, binaural beats, or meditations.
For comfort through smell - Use aromatherapy, candles or incense, smell fresh air, rain, flowers or water, create comforting smells at home (baking is a great way to do this!)
For comfort through taste - Choose foods and drink that feel comforting to you;  perhaps a specific warm drink, or a comforting meal, or a treat that reminds you of being nurtured.

 When I first read about this technique, I realized that it is automatically my "go to" self care.  You might remember that in one recent blog entry, I referred to being obsessed with cozy things - blankets, couches, fires and sweatpants!  I love to go to sleep listening to rain on the roof.  I have special pieces of music or songs that I tune in to when I want to elicit a certain emotional response.  I find that being near a stream, listening to the sound, and watching the flowing water is extremely calming for me.  These are excellent ideas for self care, and most of them are free, and can be done at home... you know, in case you do end up self-quarantined at any time. 

FYI, today, I'm including an information from the CDC entitled "Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19."  There is a lot of helpful information, here, for those who struggle with anxiety, and for those who love someone who struggles.  We need to look out for each other in times of crisis.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html

If you are struggling and feel alone, please reach out to me. I will help if I can, or help you to find the proper resource if I can't.

Check in on each other. Be kind. And take care of you. 💖