Whether or not we are over the peak of the corona virus pandemic is debatable but what we do know is that coronaphobia has started to become a major problem. As the UK government looks to loosen the lockdown restrictions there are signs that many people are struggling to get themselves ready for “normal life”. They are seriously scared of the coronavirus/COVID-19 and what might happen if they catch it. In reality life will not be the same for some time to come, shopping in supermarkets we will always be looking over our shoulders, conscious of germs, people in your personal space and the ongoing threat. However, thankfully there are ways and means of reducing your fear of the coronavirus and at least partially controlling coronaphobia.
Keep telling yourself it will get better
If you take a step back and look at things from a different perspective, the virus came, it was passed to many people and unfortunately some people have died. However, the cumulative impact of the actions by the UK public has certainly brought the virus under control. There’s been overwhelming of the NHS, no threat of a long-term lockdown and life is already starting to move back to some degree of “normality”. Keep telling yourself things will get better because they will.
On the plus side, a degree of fear of germs and coronaphobia is not necessarily a bad thing is it? The body has a natural fight or flight reaction built-in, something which goes back thousands of years, so a degree of self-preservation/self-defence is just natural. Yes, we all need to keep our anxiety under control and keep things in perspective but we also need to be aware of potential threats.
Change your media reading
In reality it is difficult to pick up a newspaper or read any news website without some damning negative headlines about the coronavirus. In many ways the media has created/encouraged coronaphobia because we know not all of the headlines we have seen have been true. Initially there were talks that millions of people would die across the world, economies would collapse and life as we know it would change forever. There was talk of a 30% reduction in property prices, leading to a huge degree of anxiety amongst homeowners, and talk of millions of job losses. Yes, we will see a reduction property prices in the short term and there will be job losses but not to the extent that the doom and gloom mass media was suggesting.
Why not take a more balanced approach to your media reading, take a look at the scientific/health websites which focus on vaccines and medicines to combat the coronavirus. Take a look at how other viruses in years gone by, such as the Spanish flu, were controlled and eventually eliminated. We all know the next few months/years will be challenging and the way we move in public will be different. However, maybe we have grown up in a world where it is acceptable for people to literally live on top of each other in huge overcrowding while many acres of countryside lay bare.
The real risk of coronavirus
Coronaphobia really boils down to the threat of catching the coronavirus and the potential consequences. However, while the death numbers in the UK and around the world are horrific let’s not forget. We know that around 85% of the population who catch coronavirus will not require medical attention and some may not even know they had it. Around 10% will need medical attention and unfortunately somewhere in the region of 5% may ultimately die. Over 90% of those who require medical attention for coronavirus symptoms will leave hospital and after a relatively short recuperation they will be ready to enjoy a normal life. It would be foolish to suggest there are no risks because we know there are but put this into perspective. The vast majority of people who contract coronavirus will carry no long-term medical issues. If you are ever feeling anxious about the threat of the coronavirus then just think of these figures. When you are next a little reticent to step over your front door into the fresh air, just remember how life was beforehand. Balance this with the extremely low risk of contracting the virus if you appreciate something as simple as social distancing.
Take everything at your own pace
Perhaps one of the main reasons why coronaphobia is coming to a head just now is because the UK government, and other governments around the world, are talking about us coming out of lockdown. We are all about to “step into the unknown” but in reality the majority of the changes are just extensions of what we have been doing lately. Also, just because the government has adjusted certain aspects of the lockdown does not mean you have to go out. You don’t need to go to work or spend any more time than you have been doing with family and friends. Take it at your pace, gather your confidence and your focus and basically take control of the situation. There is no rush, the government have said those not ready to embrace new freedoms don’t need to until they feel more comfortable.
Focus on your mental/physical health
Those who suffer from any kind of phobia or anxiety will often highlight the need for regular sleep of more than just a few hours “here and there”. Sleep, rest and relaxation are the key to maintaining a strong mental and physical health. As a phobia suffer of years gone by, I’m well aware that phobias and anxieties used to strike me hardest when I was tired. So, try to focus all of your frustrations, and anger even, in sleeping well, exercising and not tiring yourself out to the point where you are constantly shattered. Phobias do have a tendency to creep up on you when you are tired and perhaps at your lowest ebb. So, until you are ready to venture out into the big bad world again sleep well, eat well, exercise and most of all try not to focus on all the negativity surrounding the coronavirus and coronaphobia. You can beat it!
Summary
It is perfectly understandable why the term coronaphobia has emerged in recent weeks and it is likely that many people will class themselves as sufferers. However, let’s take a step back and look at things from a distance. There is nothing wrong in being cautious and aware of your environment. There is nothing wrong in taking a softly softly approach to changes in the lockdown and doing things at your pace. The government is not pressurising anybody to do anything they don’t want to but it is opening the door to those who maybe want to move a little quicker.
While one death as a consequence of coronavirus is one death too many, let’s not forget, 85% of those who catch the virus will have it relatively mildly, will not require medical attention and some may not even know they had it. We also know that 10% will need medical attention but they will make a full recovery in due course and heartbreakingly 5% will lose their life. The body has a natural defence system called fight or flight which has been locked into our DNA for thousands of years. This is what keeps us away from trouble, danger and prompts the body to react in a certain manner. When you’re ready you will venture out into the big bad world again, at your own pace and in your own time. There is no rush, there are no deadlines and then again there is no reason you can’t be a little more cautious in your daily routines.
Things are getting better, they will get even better and very quickly we will return to what is best described as a “normal way of life”. If you are scared, why not speak to a friend or family member because this is one occasion where a problem shared is a problem halved.
