We are five months into the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that is threatening to be the darkest since the second world war. And as in war, the world is engulfed in uncertainty. From the day it appeared, everything about it was shrouded in uncertainty, how it originated, how it is spread, how it could be treated, how and when it will finally end.
There has been controversy as well—it has surrounded many issues involving this disease. Every detail, it seems, has at least two sides. It doesn’t help us that so much is politicized and distorted—it adds to the confusion when authorities like the WHO, the CDC, and the FDA consistently change their minds. For example:
- You should scrub everything, even your groceries. / No, scrubbing doesn’t help. You are wasting your time.
- You should wear a mask. / No, a mask won’t protect you from droplets; it will only protect others from your droplets and restrict your oxygen intake.
- In April, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to permit hydroxychloroquine sulfate to treat Covid-19 / No hydroxychloroquine doesn’t help. In fact, this advice is being revoked.
- A few weeks into the disease, we were warned that a second wave of the disease would be imminent, prompting some countries to extend their state of emergency./ Now, a WHO authority, Margaret Harris, says it’s going to be one big wave, “It’s going to go up and down a bit. And we should flatten it and turn it into just something lapping at your feet”.
Models of death projections have been wobbly and inconsistent. FiveThirtyEight, a division of ABC News, in a March 31 article Why its so Freaking Hard to Make a Good Covid-19 Model, said:
“There are certainly numbers out there. Trouble is, they’re kind of all over the place. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is using models that forecast a best-case scenario in which about 200,000 Americans die, according to reporting by The New York Times. Meanwhile, a report from Imperial College London that made headlines for its dire, modeling-based forecasts predicted about 2.2 million U.S. deaths from the coronavirus, if nobody changes their everyday behavior.”
These authorities’ responses have caused an enormous level of stress— living with uncertainty is hard on people. We talk to people on the phone, visit on Zoom, but no one has anything they can say for certain about the situation. We turn on the news, hoping to learn the virus is under control but are met with opposing views on almost everything.
Kelly Burch, writing for Insider, and quoting psychologist Melinda Massof, Ph.D., says:
“The uncertainty that we are worrying about has to do with our safety and the safety of our loved ones, We don’t know how long the COVID-19 crisis is going to last, and we are uncertain about who will get sick and who will recover and who will need to be hospitalized. These unknowns are too big and scary to process.”
We worry about other things as well: the closing of businesses, the state of economy, our money, our parents and our children. Added to our worry is the current violence in some American cities, whether the peaceful protests have been infiltrated with international groups such as ANTIFA, and whether they will spread their tactics worldwide.
All these concerns are grounded in fear, fear being the outcome of uncertainly. Since there is no certainty about life during a pandemic, what can we create for ourselves, that will make us less anxious, more optimistic?
- We can find some comfort in establishing a daily routine and focussing on one main accomplishment each day.
- We can practice mindfulness, learn to change negative thoughts by centering ourselves psychologically several times a day. Massof recommends that you focus on immediate sensations you’re experiencing. For example, she suggests, you can isolate three things you can feel or hear. This routine can interrupt your thoughts and help ground you in the present moment and the certainties that do surround you.
- We can control the misinformation and hysteria in the media and do our research. In a recent blog, I wrote about the slant of mainstream media. In the comments, readers suggested going to less biased sources like PBS, NPR, and BBC World News. Kathy Gottberg included a graph that could help you analyze the political leanings of scores of media.
Predicting the outcomes and precautions surrounding this new virus has not been easy. Bu sometimes it seems that the media and the authorities are intentionally seeding fear among us. Perhaps they believe that it is the only way to make the population comply and defeat this virus. Perhaps they think it is the only tool they have. But fear is a very uncompromising emotion. It can immobilize us and give us no room to participate in life. Even the idea of fear can make us very uncomfortable mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. Fear and uncertainly have a way of taking over your life. Don’t let that happen.
Diane, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I quote FDRL you have nothing to fear but fear itself. Fear can be so debilitating and when it comes without focus it’s hard to talk down. Combining your solid advice with something I heard today about limps and wounds, etc. I realize that dealing with it all is an opportunity fo grow and find a kind of grace forward. I am compelled to look for more. Taking that momentt to listen as you mentioned, I might notice the quiet surrounding the dark tv. I notice the absence of the crazy noises trying to provoke me. Those opportunities to be still and listen, feel, etc. are ripe for imagination of something better.
I appreciate your comment for its beauty and optimism. It’s reassuring for me to know that people like you are turning this experience into something new and positive. I don’t always take this as an opportunity to grow, so it’s good to be reminded!
The problem for the US and here in the UK is that the political leaders have deliberately been divisive, and need that difference to retain office. That doesn’t lend itself to the kind of ‘government for all’ which is needed to manage and survive a pandemic. Couple the manifest stupidity of the leaders with the bias of the media – particularly the printed media, which are even more pronounced in this than their online versions – and you have a very unstable foundation for the future. I have no faith in what our governments are doing, and I suspect I’m not alone in this.
No, you are not alone. But this does give us the chance to formulate our own opinions, come to our own conclusions regarding this new challenge which has come our way. I’m angry with the media on all sides. I believe they have shirked their responsibility. News has become THEIR opinion—and that’s not a good thing.
It is very difficult to separate fact from opinion, but I think governments share the blame for encouraging that: it suits their ends, as it polarises opinions and support. The media are complicit in this, but we have very few left-leaning publications here to counter the big propaganda machine. Even the BBC, which sits in the middle of the table, is accused of bias, though as that is aimed at them from both left and right it probably means they’re keeping a balance!
Sorry, lots of type-owws
Oh, I didn’t notice. I’ve had a few of those ‘do-overs’ myself this morning. So much so, that I was almost an hour late in posting this morning—a first in five years!
Each of us will spend our days doing what we feel is comfortable for us. Let’s be mindful of the restrictions foisted upon us but focus on the abundance of benefits we have living here on the harbour in Victoria. We can support our local businesses that are struggling because of no international tourists, Enjoy walks in the fresh air and chats with our many friends in our community. Our normal activities may have changed somewhat but our appreciation for the guidance from Dr. Henry and the multitude of Care workers to help us through this makes us smile when we hear:- *Be Kind, Be Calm and Be Safe* and we know we can do it!
So many good sentiments here! What a kind and thoughtful attitude! (p.s. I have removed your name to allow anonymity.)
an excellent post.
and based on our American problems…
if they (the seeming majority of people) are arguing over wearing a simple face mask and keeping their distance… as measures of safety for themselves and others are just TOO MUCH for them…
one wonders how they will act when the money and food RUN OUT.
will they take their guns and fear and anger and turn them on the grocers and even their nearby neighbors and others? with civility and love for our fellow man having dwindled to zero of late…
we are very close to this point in America. and all the vitriol and indecision at the top is not productive.
perhaps our congress needs to get off their high horses of political gain and get down in the trenches with those people who wonder how to feed their children… much less school them!
throw in the hovering case of homelessness with no rents paid and the dismal picture is complete.
it’s just a thought.
and our leadership is… well. I’m not sure it could ever be called ‘Leadership.’
it must be how FDR became the nation’s hero in the great depression. he at least acted like he knew how to FIX things. and he did manage to put people back to work in part by fixing infrastructure.
I dare not hint that he was also ‘saved’ by WWII. but sociology tells us he undoubtedly was.
times have changed. but the basic needs of human nature never will.
job. home. safe food and water. education.
and sorry Diane. once again I’ve written too much. feel free to delete it. I surely would understand!
No, tammy j, I would never delete or change your comments! I hope people will use my posts as a sounding board, although I do delete those that are abusive or use profanity. As usual, you have presented some very important issues. Thank you!
Hello, Diane. We need an effective vaccine ASAP. That’s an understatement.
This needs to end, that’s for sure! Thanks, Neil.
You’ve hit the nail on the head with the for/against comments from some of the “powers to be” and the whole “uncertainty” will for sure evolve even more. The part that resonates of course, is the “instant communication” from the naysayers of any particular news, worthy or not.
Yes, Cedar, opinions, right or wrong, surface quickly in this highly politicized climate. There is a reason for every view, I’m discovering.
I’m actually quite impressed that our medical researchers have learned so much about this disease in so short a time. Yes, there has been some confusion along the way, but now the message is pretty clear: it’s highly contagious so wash your hands, avoid other people when you can (esp. in an indoor setting) and wear a face covering when you can’t. The 1918-19 Spanish flu killed some 50 million people. We are doing much better.
The 1918-19 epidemic was virulent, and knowledge and communication was nothing like today. It had tragic and far-reaching consequences. My grandmother, who was only 28, and the mother of four young children, died during that flu. Thanks, Tom.
I wouldn’t say our authorities are seeding fear – to my mind they appear to be telling it as it is.
The media ( in all forms) however are doing a great job at spreading fear – trouble is a lot of the population (here in Victoria) are just thumbing their noses at both form of communication and saying…….stuff you, we’ll do as we want.
Stage 4 has just begun here – more extreme measures including a night curfew!
Take care Diane
Cathy
In defense of the media (I can’t believe I’m saying this!), they report what they are told to report. The authorities are in flux, feeling around for the truth somewhere in the mess that somehow appeared on our doorsteps. The jury is not out regarding the origin or the handling of this virus, and the recommendations given so far have been largely guess-work. I don’t think that people who are questioning the ‘facts’ are idiots. I think they are thinking individuals who are seriously questioning what is happening.
Well expressed, Diane. It’s no wonder since a rule book didn’t exist, that many revisions to guidelines have been written. This pandemic was new to everyone because this hasn’t happened since the Spanish Flu. I commend the experts who are working around the clock to figure this virus out, including how to keep everyone safe. But then again, many have different feelings and opinions as to what they will or won’t do. It’s a mess, isn’t it? Covid shouldn’t be a political issue but some have put it in that box, unfortunately. Who would’ve thought that some wouldn’t see it for what it is, a health crisis. And people are so quick to complain about wearing a mask. Think about the doctors and nurses and all essential workers…A mind-boggling scenario. My family has stayed healthy so far, but it’s not over until a vaccine is accessible to everyone. I think we have at least another year to go. Sigh…Strange times, for sure, but others have lived through similar horrific times, so all we can do is our best in staying healthy, find joy in the simple things, feel grateful for what we do have, and pray for a vaccine!
I commend the experts as well. Understanding this virus hasn’t been easy, and they are doing their best. But it is science, and it is conducted by humans, with all of their frailties. My point here is that science is not always perfect, and medicine is not always on the mark either. I had an experience, when I was in my early twenties, that prompted me to have a distrust in the infallibility of health authorities. When I was pregnant with my first child, I had extreme morning sickness. There were months when it was difficult to get out of bed, but I got through it and delivered a healthy baby. When I became pregnant with my second baby, my doctor reminded me about the morning sickness I had previously, and assured me that if it happened again, he could write me a prescription for a new ‘miracle drug’ that would look after it. I didn’t have even a hint of morning sickness with this child, so didn’t need it. I learned later that it was thalidomide, a drug with a horrible side-effect of causing children to be born with shorted, fin-like limbs, or no limbs at all. It sounds like science fiction now, but there are countless people who are living with this disability today. They are all my daughter’s age, in their fifties. So I am cautious about following everything ‘experts’ say, with uncritical, unquestioning obedience. When the time comes to submit to a vaccine, I will be one of the people researching the ‘h…” out of it!
AMEN dear Diane.
and thank God years ago that you didn’t take that ‘new WONDER drug’ thalidomide.
Fortunately, the decision was taken out of my hands!
As Carl Sagan says in The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, people are taught the wrong thing about science. Science is about the process, not the answers. Scientists used to be panned because they were too hesitant to make definitive statements. They know that conclusions can change as more facts come in.
Hi, Diane – Your closing two lines are very wise and an important reminder for all. Thank you for another very thoughtful post.
Once again, Donna, I appreciate and value your comment! (appreciate and value…hummm—I think that’s redundant LOL!).
Sound comments and, especially, confusion, Diane.
You are absolutely correct. Noone knows anything about this pandemic and all kinds of stories are floated without any substance to them. I simply ignore and do what I need to do to keep safe.
Yes, that’s about all we can do!
I’ve always assumed life is uncertain and figure the best way to deal with that fact is to (1) appreciate what we have while we still have it and (2) practice our resilience by handling well the inevitable problems and losses in life. There are more pandemics and other crises coming down the pike.
“The nature of life is constant change.
The nature of humans is to resist that change.”
In spite of some problems 2020 has been a happy year for me so far.
Great post. Mindfulness helps a lot. Reducing TV time (particularly the news) is important, as well as getting out and walking/exercising safely. And staying busy. I feel sorry for those who say they are “bored” because they’re ‘stuck at home.’ So many things to do while staying safe. Read a book. Write a book. Blog. Finish a crossword puzzle. Walk in the woods. Meditate for 30 minutes. Practice yoga. Have a good night’s sleep! Rinse Repeat.
I experience much of the uncertainty reflective of expected change and adaptation as new information is learned about this previously unknown virus. Frustrating, yes. Unfortunately there are those who fail to appreciate the scientific process and persist in complicating the waters of reason. Meanwhile, i attend to sources i consider most reliable, take precautions I’ve determined best for me based on their recommendations and what i know from my professional medical experience with previous contagious diseases.
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