Surviving Coronavirus: Understanding and Discharging Your Distress
Life during a pandemic is riddled with unknowns, fear and anxiety; however, your attitude and habits are your gateway to thriving, not just surviving
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There is a destructive epidemic sweeping the planet that is harming millions of people, but it is not the Coronavirus known as COVID-19. Instead, it is the highly contagious illness that combines fear and anxiety. It goes by the name: Distress.
While governments and individuals are taking dramatic measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, the epidemic of Distress is ravaging our lives virtually unchecked. Distress is insidious, as it lurks in the shadows and influences our behaviors. And if it goes unaddressed, it can eventually harm us both physically and mentally, while hindering our ability to support and help others.
But there is good news! You can break this mindset and redirect your focus towards more positive and productive experiences by understanding and embracing these ideas and observations:
Fight-or-Flight Reactions
We see, read, hear or think about threat and danger every day. When you see a shocking news story or hear a co-worker talking about a tragedy, you likely lean-in to hear the details. This information catches your attention and leaves you with a strong desire to know more because there is something much deeper going on. When you hear concerning information, you may notice that you become more focused and alert.
The reason why all human beings are attracted to threat messages can be found in evolutionary science. According to Dr. Eva Ritvo, author of Bekindr: The Transformative Power of Kindness,
