Brave New Compassionate World

Navigating uncharted waters during the coronavirus outbreak has challenged us all. Many Americans are familiar with “first world problems” like nabbing the best vacation deals or worrying about getting that promotion at work. But now, shuttered stores, job loss, and even restricted availability of some basic supplies is creating a startling reality. Even more daunting is the panic that wells up in your throat at night, the fears for yourself and your loved ones, and even shame over “selfish” urges to hoard as many paper products and canned goods as possible. And there is that dogged uncertainty. What news can you really trust? Are you a carrier and don’t even know it? Are you overreacting or not taking social distancing seriously enough? Routines are disrupted. Safety and a sense of normalcy seem to have disappeared. And in the midst of our own personal struggles, we know that everyone has a story to tell — a fear, a disappointment, a loss. Isolation from loved ones, loss of human contact, decimated retirement accounts, job loss, crushing boredom, the absence of physical touch, cancelled vacations, weddings and graduations, and even postponed memorial services because mourners cannot gather to grieve.  Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. – Plato First-world problems — once so pressing — pale in comparison to the greater need for survival — our own personal survival and that of the world around us. Like wartime ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Panic Stress Compassion coronavirus COVID-19 hoarding toilet paper pandemic Scarcity Source Type: blogs