Remedy for Fear

The world is afraid

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic, the United States issued a travel ban on all incoming travel from most of Europe, and the world began to fall apart. Store shelves have been emptied within hours as people stock up on whatever they think they might need. Reports of hoarding and price gouging are pouring in. Sporting events, conferences, and schools are closing for two weeks or more.

We think we are powerless.

We feel powerless in the face of so many unknowns. The unknown makes us all fearful, and if left unchecked, that fear can spiral out of control into anxiety, panic, and desperation. The illusion of control has been stripped away. Our assumptions about how the world works have been turned upside down. Our everyday routines are changing suddenly and we are powerless to stop it. Things we have taken for granted are no longer. We can’t coast through life right now and that scares the living daylights out of us. Our leaders, the media, and even our doctors don’t have all the answers. The sheer volume of conflicting information is mind-boggling. No wonder so many are confused and afraid.

Remedy for fear.

There may not be a vaccine, treatment, or cure for COVID-19 (the disease caused by the SARs-coV-2 virus), yet there is a cure for fear. Truth is the remedy for fear. Knowledge — accurate, relevant information — can help us make reasonable decisions in the face of so much unrest. I’ve included a list of reliable information sources at the bottom of this page. Please, ignore the headlines. Go straight to these sources for accurate information. Make your decisions based on facts, not emotion.

What can we do?

We all need each other right now. This is not the time to “look out for Number One” or let everyone “fend for themselves.” Yes, please do wash your hands and practice social distancing. Just don’t lose your humanity. Call, email, or text your friends and loved ones. Check on your neighbors. If you have a surplus of food, medicine, or supplies, share them.

Doing my part

In addition to following my advice above, I am opening up my available office hours to anyone who needs to talk during this very stressful period. If you are struggling with stress, worry, anxiety, or need help problem-solving due to anything related to coronavirus, travel restrictions, changes in routine, cancellations, etc., please reach out I’ve also extended my office hours to make it easier for everyone to get the help they need.

Information we need

• Centers for Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Live Science – Coronavirus in the U.S.
• World Health Organization – Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Worldwide Situation
• Robert Koch Institut – Coronavirus in Germany
• American Migraine Foundation – COVID-19 Considerations for People Living with Migraine
• U.S.  Department of Labor Unemployment Guidelines for COVID-19
• Military Times – SECDEF issues global travel restrictions to help stop coronavirus spread
• US Army Europe – COVID-19
• US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• US Army Garrison Wiesbaden – Garrison Alert
• Ramstein Air Base – Coronavirus