In the past few weeks, due to the increasing number of cases caused by the novel coronavirus, we have been introduced to a new normal – that’s staying at home away from our usual activities like seeing friends and going to places that we like. This has caused a lot of adverse reactions from people ranging from fear, anger and indifference – three responses that does not help solve the pandemic. It’s like putting a noose on your neck and running around like a headless chicken – attributing the reaction to all forces around us but never ourselves.
This reaction contributes to the tight squeeze that we are all facing now. It resembles a scenario where we seemingly lose control over our lives. This feeling brings out our (closet) compulsions – our OCD, our inner rebel, our Dora the Explorer, and even our sleeping Nora Aunors creating unnecessary drama which makes the noose tighter. If we let this feeling run us over, getting to the other side where this pandemic has gone would be further than we hope for.
So appealing on everyone’s good nature, let’s first calm down and breathe. And think about these things to allow you to make more informed decisions to remember that we are in control and there’s something that we can do about it:
We are dealing with a new virus. And like all viruses, the only way we can get through it is by developing antibodies that will help the body survive its attacks on our bodies. Currently, there are two drugs that are being tested and in some countries already used to cure people with COVID-19. These are the anti-malarial drugs called chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine which was mention in actor Daniel Dae Kim’s (starred in series like 24, Lost, and Hollywood movies like Hawaii Five-O, Insurgent, and Hellboy) viral video on how he recovered from the disease.
Interestingly, Daniel began by saying that he is Asian but he did not get the virus in China. A major misconception that has caused racial hatred sadly towards the Asians. That’s why it is irresponsible to keep on calling the novel coronavirus, the Chinese virus. Though records show that the initial outbreak came from Wuhan, China, it does not justify it being called such because of current and relevant learnings we have that focuses on cultural sensitivity and plain human decency. The virus does not have a race, it does not respect any border, age or social status – spitting, threatening and hurling racial slurs do not keep the virus away. It does however attract assault charges that can lead to 2 years imprisonment or a $2,200.00 fine.
The importance of social distancing, self-quarantine and adhering to lockdown rules can never be stressed enough due to the seemingly indifferent reactions of some of the people – specifically 25,000 people who were requested to leave the Bondi beach premises which lead to its closing a few days ago and tougher rules and penalties for people who go against these rules. Unless you’re living under a rock, relevant news were distributed on all promotional platforms – television, radio, websites, social media sites, and print media.
Though it is true that people with healthier bodies and young people may very well recover from this pandemic but delivering the virus to the people that they come in contact with especially those who are old and are suffering from chronic illnesses (who can be anyone on the streets) may very well be the most irresponsible action one can do during these times. Staying at home and limiting our interactions takes out that variable impeding the government from providing the medical services that the sick and the dying need.
Currently, the cases around the world has reached 1,013,157 documented cases of people with COVID-19 but there is also a rising number of 199, 527 recoveries globally. The United States, Italy and Spain may have contributed in the growing deaths of 52,982 but their situation provides us valuable insights on how to manage our situation.
In this time of uncertainty, we only have two choices – one is to get affected by the sadness that this pandemic brings (deaths, unemployment, not seeing family and friends) or two, equip yourself with the proper knowledge about the virus, help the government solve this pandemic by making yourself scarce and focusing on the positive truths that are becoming more apparent as the days come (higher number of recoveries, lower number of cases, and the development of vaccines to combat this invisible threat.)
We should never be antagonized by the current pandemic because it’s not just happening to us but also to a lot of other people around the world. We may not be in the frontlines helping the world survive this threat but we still can do our part in supporting the world by following the mandates set by our government. And old wise saying goes, “if you can’t help solve the problem do not add to the problem.” Any situation can only be scary when you approach it with your eyes closed.
How to get out of that tight squeeze? Stop running. That’s when you realize that the noose was loose enough to get out of. Be properly informed. Be empowered.
Do you need support for your mental health? Check out these websites:
https://www.mymentalhealth.org.au/page/services/self-care-and-informal-support/helplines-and-online-support/
https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/getting-help/helplines/mental-health-response-line/
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/support-contact-list.aspx