Thread by @CAPedCrusaderMD

Have you noticed that Shandro and Dr. Hinshaw keep using the term “anxiety” in relation to their COVID reopening plan? Here is why this is inappropriate and stigmatizing: (1/8)
#COVID19AB #Anxiety #CovidIsNotOver

Anxiety is severe, persistent fear based on faulty cognitions or that is clearly in excess to the actual threat. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed based on the source of that fear (e.g. social situations) and degree of impairment (2/8)

With increasing mental health awareness driven by celebrities and professional athletes, like Ryan Reynolds and Naomi Osaka, more people have an awareness that Anxiety can be a chronic, often debilitating illness (3/8)

Anxiety disorders have likely increased during the pandemic for a number of reasons, but what we’re discussing here is different. It’s the repeated use of the term “anxiety” instead of “worry”, “concern” or “frustration” (4/8)

Here is a recent example:

"I know that the rise in cases over the last week has created anxiety in some people" - Dr. Hinshaw. (5/8)

Here is another:

“We know that people will continue to have that anxiety but this was work that was done by public health based on the science, based on the data” - Minister Shandro. (6/8)

When the CMOH & Minister of Health use the term “anxiety” re: their reopening plan, they’re implying that those who oppose it have an emotional, irrational, maybe even pathological response, while they have a reasoned, rational approach. This is stigmatizing & invalidating. (7/8)

Albertans have sacrificed much to try & control the pandemic. Feeling stressed & wrung out is a normal response. To be concerned that the gov is abruptly stopping measures to control COVID after everything we’ve been through isn’t irrational. It’s reasonable & legitimate. (/end)