What overall psychological issues do we see present themselves during a pandemic?
Fear, anxiety, and depression.
Why should you take precautions even if you’re not sick?
You need to take precautions so that you don't put others at risk.
How to help kids cope without seeing their grandparents?
It’s important to keep that relationship with one another. Let your child FaceTime or even send letters.
Focusing on what people can do to protect themselves is most important for whom?
People who are vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
What is a disease epidemic that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents, or worldwide?
A Pandemic
What will be long lasting effects across society after this COVID-19 period finishes?
People may feel stressed to make a full recovery afterwards. We may see the world as a “new normal”. A minority of people will have long-term problems.
Pandemics are caused by a virus infecting people and what else?
People’s behavior
People often become panicked and distressed over social distancing during pandemics, what is another response to pandemics?
Racism, panic-buying, and crowding into hospitals.
What can taking care of your body, taking deep breaths, stretching, or meditating, eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and talking about how you feel with trusted friends or family do?
Help your mental state
When was the world’s last pandemic?
2009
How to answer your kids questions when they want their parents to play with them instead of working?
Tell them everyone is doing their best to provide for their families and when you have a break you will play with them.
With Coronavirus spreading, people are feeling more fears. What are these fears being controlled by?
Misinformation
Pandemics are controlled when people follow rules and do what?
Cover their coughs, wash their hands, and comply with social distancing.
Why should you take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media during a pandemic?
Repeatedly hearing about the pandemic can be upsetting.
What was the world’s last pandemic?
Swine Flu
What is someone who is anxious about their health, and are challenging to treat?
A hypochondriac
What requires scientists to be honest about uncertainties?
Effective communication
What do people do when asked to cancel vacations or visit a clinic during a pandemic?
Most people are unwilling to make sacrifices for others when the benefits are uncertain.
What should kids be told about a pandemic so that they are not freaked out?
Address your child’s concerns and tell them that the illness is mild. Enforce the rules of washing hands, covering coughs, and social distancing to ensure their safety.
What was the first global pandemic of the social media age?
Covid-19
Exotic threats, like Ebola or Coronavirus, raise anxiety levels higher than familiar threats, such as the flu. What causes this response?
The amygdala.
What made people more willing to take on costs to prevent other from potential harm?
Directing people’s attention to the uncertain impact of their actions on the well-being of others.
Why do some people react differently to others during pandemics?
Responses depend on your background and community.
Therapeutic interventions that are recommended for seniors at this time are…
Stress management strategies, maintain a healthy lifestyle, limit exposure to news and social media.
How can I help?
Try donating to a good cause if possible. Be kind and respectful of other people and their space.