7 Keys to Making the Most of Lockdown
When life gives you lemons, kick some butt.
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This post was written by the Disaster, Trauma and Global Health Committee of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
The current pandemic presents a never-before-encountered challenge. More dangerous than many common illnesses, the virus is nevertheless not so lethal to everyone who catches it. It is a “sleeper”, spreading without the symptoms which would make people more careful.
Covid-19 is a test, a fire drill for the apocalypse. The world was caught flat-footed on this one and Covid-19 is a bracing wake up call. We must prepare better.
Individuals and families face new and unprecedented challenges as the world emerges from denial and grapples with hysteria in efforts to mount a rational collective response. For many citizens, trust in government is deeply strained.
An ever-changing wave of psychological realization is infecting different geographical areas depending on its own rising infected count. With awareness comes fear and anxiety, interfering with clear-thinking, allowing emotional reactions to take over, and adding more fuel to the fire.
Thriving in Virtual Community
Current best practices to contain infection leave people more vulnerable, emotionally and physiologically. Each person who does not transmit the virus prevents hundreds or even thousands. Evolution also tells us to gather together physically to provide support and problem-solve. This social instinct usually would be advantageous, but here the instinct can make things worse.
We must keep our distance while maintaining connection. In times like these, the following guidelines may be helpful:
1. Social distancing does not mean emotional distancing
Use technology to connect widely. Isolation has negative effects on psychological and physical well-being. When in survival mode, we think mainly of our immediate needs, and those closest to us. Our thoughts of the future narrow down to basic needs-hence…
