How do I manage anxiety about COVID-19 (Part 2)

Adversity can bring out both the good and the bad in people. We’ve seen the bad – racist attacks directed towards minority groups, selfish hoarding of medical supplies, price gouging by greedy vendors, flagrant disregard for social responsibility by those who insist on traveling and ignoring calls for social distancing. But we’ve also seen the good – brave and dedicated healthcare workers who risk their own wellbeing to care for the ill, everyday people donating medical supplies to make up for the unconscionable shortage we face, neighbors checking on each other, organizations coming together to make sure kids who depend on school lunches are fed when schools are closed.  As a psychiatrist, I can vouch for the mental health benefit of altruism. When we step out of the narrow focus of our own day to day existence and start to contribute to something greater, we feel better about ourselves. We become more resilient. We experience less depression and anxiety. So take a moment and think about how you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Give yourself the opportunity to do something kind and thoughtful for someone else, without expecting anything in return. Teach your children about empathy and about giving. Social distancing does not have to lead to social isolation. In fact, one could argue that mankind has never before been more connected as the whole world now fights against a common enemy.  If you feel isolated at home, reach out to friends and relatives with a heartfelt message. Write a letter. Facetime your aunt.