At this watershed moment in the pandemic, the challenge right now is to recalibrate fear — to quiet fear when the facts don’t support it, and to redirect worry to areas where our health and well-being are *actually* at risk.
That said, let’s acknowledge the universality of fear. It’s entirely normal to be afraid when faced with a threat like COVID-19. After all, fear is normal and part of being human. It helps us survive — to run from the proverbial tiger in the wild.
There was (and always is) a time for fear. Anxiety serves us. Fear = survival. But when the proverbial “tiger on the loose” has been caged, it’s time to release ourselves from unnecessary fear. Risk is everywhere; but anxiety out of proportion to facts can make us sick
In other words, fear is not synonymous with irrationality. Similarly, the question isn’t whether or not we’re entitled to fear; it’s what are we fearful OF? And how do we balance risk when risk is everywhere?
We need to recognize that the flames of our collective fear have been fanned by the politicization of the pandemic, widespread mis/disinformation, & mixed messaging from the media, public health institutions, and numerous other sources - including the medical profession.
As the public landscape evolves, as more & more shots going into arms, & as deaths/hospitalizations plummet in the US, it’s CRITICAL we shift our internal narrative — and take fear out of the driver’s seat. Science has our back.
Few ideas on balancing health risks: 1) Seek facts 2) Figure out who you trust (ideally diverse group of ppl w/ varying POV), 3) Find a #primarycare provider to help marry broad public health advice w your unique medical, physical & mental health issues (no one-size-fits-all rx!)
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