Humankind Will Overcome This Virus and Learn from the Experience

The news, social media, and radio stations are all reporting the horror of the COVID-19 virus. This has caused an increase in fear and panic worldwide. Some people are locked in their homes with friends and family, while others are alone with no one to turn to. This isolation can be very frightening. We are social beings, and we need to have others around us?even if we are not directly communicating. Their presence makes us feel that we are not alone.

Before COVID-19, when someone felt lonely, they were encouraged to go for a walk, visit a mall, go to the park, watch a movie, or eat out?just to be in the presence of others. Today, these options are no longer available. Isolation is not the only issue; many individuals are encountering additional challenges as they stay at home. There is fear and uncertainty about what is happening in our world, and no one seems to have the answer.

This uncertainty has created anxiety for many people. There is a sense of loss, helplessness, and hopelessness as we try to make sense of a senseless situation. Mental health issues are on the rise as people are confined in isolation. After a month or two, the initial novelty of staying at home wears off, and for many, home begins to feel like a prison. Our society could be heading toward a mental health pandemic in the aftermath of COVID-19. Communities must be prepared to support "at-risk" individuals and help them cope.

COVID-19 is a traumatic event, and people will experience symptoms similar to those suffered by victims of wars and natural disasters. Grief is also a heavy burden for those who have lost loved ones?they couldn?t be at their bedsides or attend funerals to say goodbye. The pandemic will leave lasting changes in our lives, finances, and societal norms. Some of these changes will have positive effects, others negative.

Whatever happens, we know we must adapt. History has shown that humankind is resilient. We have survived many catastrophes: the earthquake of July 5, 1201, in Egypt and Syria, the Black Plague (1347?1530), the Indian Famine of 1767, the Irish Potato Famine (1845?1848), the great droughts and floods in China (1867?1879, 1928?1931), the 1918?1919 flu pandemic, the Great Depression, the Chinese Famine (1959?1961), the African drought (1981?1984), the North Korean famine (1995?1998), and many more earthquakes, wars, and disasters. We will survive this virus too?and COVID-19 will become part of our history books.

In most cases, disasters have brought humanity together. People become resourceful and creative when faced with hardship. Today, we have technology and global collaboration to help us overcome this pandemic. It is a sad reality that lives will be lost, but billions will survive. Scientists and doctors are working tirelessly to flatten the curve. Though there is currently no cure, nations around the world are uniting to find solutions. Every person has a role to play in reducing the spread of this virus.

As we remain isolated at home, let this become a time for growth and learning. Share memories, read, play, pray, meditate, research, clean, declutter, and cook nutritious meals. Make this a time of closeness and laughter, not fear. Wasting time should not be an option, as it can lead to anxiety and depression.

The Problems of Self-Isolation with the Family: The Family Drama

Being with family and friends can be a wonderful experience?but for many, it can also feel like a nightmare. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people led busy lives, often with limited interaction with their family members. Teenagers, for example, were often isolated in their rooms, and many parents had little daily involvement with them. Now, we are all mandated by governments to stay at home, and this has brought both challenges and blessings.

Positive Consequences of the Stay-at-Home Policy:

• Families now have more time to bond and reconnect.
• Parents get to understand their children better.
• Children can observe and learn from their parents.
• Meals are shared more often.
• Couples have the opportunity to spend quality time together.
• Chores and responsibilities can be divided more evenly.
• Families can develop new routines, traditions, and communication patterns.

Negative Consequences:

• Overcrowding and lack of personal space can lead to tension.
• Conflicts between family members may increase.
• Stress from job loss or financial hardship can cause arguments.
• Parents may struggle to manage children?s education and discipline.
• Emotional and mental health may suffer due to constant close contact.
• Domestic abuse cases may rise in high-risk households.

These are just some of the challenges and benefits of being at home with family during the pandemic. This has become our new reality?and we didn?t have time to prepare for it. That?s why it is essential to change our mindset to help us navigate this unknown world.

We must remember: no one has all the answers right now. We will experience trial and error. But humans are intelligent, resourceful, and resilient. COVID-19 will be another historic chapter in the story of our survival.

Let?s use this time to find peace and comfort for our souls. Try something new or rediscover things that bring you joy. We may not be able to control the situation, but we can choose to be content and grateful.

Ten years from now, we will sit around a table, campfire, or bar and share our stories. Let?s make those stories good ones?despite the fear and uncertainty we face today.