Don't just focus on the negatives that covid-19 brings

If all you are hearing is negative, fear-fuelled stores, if you’re not careful, you will become fear-filled yourself.

Many of us are very much led by our emotions which form as a result of what we think and what we believe.

If we constantly hear stories that send out messages of no hope, we’re going to believe that the situation is hopeless.

This can then have a negative impact on our emotional wellbeing, causing us to experience low mood, a lack of motivation, even depression.

Whilst we need to keep ourselves up to date with the devastation this virus is causing and the advice given by the leaders of our country, I think there needs to be a better balance of reporting.

We need to see more reporting done on the number of people that are recovering, and the good things that are happening as a result of this pandemic.

I get it that if people think there is a better chance of recovery, they might relax on the recommended advice given for lockdown, such as social distancing and regularly washing hands.

But there are also implications that we need to bear in mind if we have a nation that is fuelled by fear.

It is important that during these unprecedented times we find ways to remain emotionally resilient.

Limiting the amount of negativity and bad news you absorb goes someway towards this.

Reducing the news you consume to a couple of times a day means you’re not constantly bombarded with despair and devastation, whilst still keeping yourself abreast of the situation.

Likewise, limiting your time on social media means you’re not constantly seeing the barrage of posts, fake news and conspiracy theories that are constantly doing the rounds.

Initially I was flitting from channel to channel, from headline to headline and constantly on social media taking it all in.

Over a week ago I took stock of myself when I realised the amount of time I was spending consuming so much negativity.

I made a conscious decision to limit the amount of news I consume and my time on social media, as well as making sure I get my news from credible sources.

I think twice now before forwarding yet another devastating news post or conspiracy theory that I receive from well meaning friends and family. If I do see something that catches my eye, I try to find out if it originates from a credible source and whether there is any validity to its claims.

A lot of information that is being circulated through social media channels cannot be tracked back to a credible source, yet for some people all sense of reason has been thrown out of the window and they’re believing the fake news and stories of miracle cures that they are consuming.

Some of the positive things that are happening as a result of this pandemic include an increase in community spirit as communities come together to support each other.

We’re seeing those who are able to, support those who are unable.

Getting an online grocery delivery slot is becoming nigh impossible and we’re seeing people who have been successful gaining a slot reach out to their neighbours through their WhatsApp groups, asking if anyone wants to add things they need to their delivery.

We’re seeing dramatic reductions in air pollution as a result of the lockdown.

Whilst, this will go back up again once things get back to normal, it gives scientists an opportunity to study data that arises from it.

It might also make people rethink what their personal contribution can be to improve the environment by maintaining some of the changes they’ve been forced to put into place.

Yes, it is devastating what is going on during this unprecedented time and I don’t want to diminish anyone’s experience who has had the virus, is suffering with it, or has lost a loved one as a result of it.

What I want is for people to not get into a fear driven panic because it doesn’t help them, their families or the wider community.

When we are fearful, we often act irrationally, and the physiological, emotional and mental stress from it will eventually take its toll on us if not managed.

If we can approach the situation from a position of hope rather than fear, we’ll be better equipped emotionally and mentally to get through this difficult time.