Balance | Braving The COVID-19 Storm

With the current extensive reporting (both factual and speculation) on the coronavirus situation, how do we determine what is the real cause for concern?

Uncertainty might indeed trigger panic and groupthink behaviour (as seen in the long lines at the supermarket). This activation of our innate survival mode of wanting to keep ourselves safe, while understandable, also causes unintended negative results such as xenophobia, high stress, and panic buying.

Here are 3 ways to address and relieve the mental stress and anxiety we may be facing:

SWITCH YOUR FOCUS

Focus on activities that you enjoy doing like listening to music, exercising or simply taking time for a cup of coffee to relieve unnecessary anxiety. Maintaining a positive and good psychological mindset can help boost your immune system.

CHECK YOUR FACTS

Turn to reliable sources of information such as www.moh.gov.sg and gov.sg WhatsApp service (go.gov.sg/whatsapp). Fact checking can help to ground us, especially when we feel overwhelmed with inconsistencies in the news.

CHANGE YOUR VIEWS

Understand that everyone is struggling with the fear and uncertainty in varying degrees. Knowing that we may get triggered by each other is a first step to managing our anxieties. Pause before we respond. Share our resources to unite rather than divide our community in this time of need.

References:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-psychological-society-lists-7-ways-to-manage-panic-following-food • https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/924406 • https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/pandemics