“The second wave of the coronavirus has begun,” they tell us.
They say we’re in it now, and this will be worse than the first. How do you respond to announcements like this…with fear? Terror? Maybe anger? Some will… but you do have a choice. You don’t have to be the victim of your emotions. You can respond to the second wave of covid: fear, anger, or acceptance and common sense, rather than react instinctively.
Fear and anger trigger the fight or flight response…think about it. Have you noticed fear and anger in yourself or in the people around you during the first wave? It’s probably safe to say we all have.
But think about this. This is the second run. COVID-19 is no longer a surprise… You’re experienced at dealing with it. You know all about wearing masks and gloves. About staying inside and wiping down your home. Washing your hands. Maintaining distance from people when you have to go out.
You’re an old pro at dealing with Covid-19. Just look at your muscle bound, highly skilled self.
There really isn’t anything to fear… is there? Not really?
Common sense says to take precautions. Wear a proper mask. Avoid contact with others. Maintain at least 6 feet from others in public. And to not push the envelope.
So…What’s pushing the envelope?
Gathering with others assuming the mask is enough. An infected sneeze or cough may actually not be enough. But if you confine your gatherings to Skype, Zoom, FaceTime… Sneezes and coughs from others can do you no harm.
Common sense.
On the other hand, if you succumb to your emotional gut reactions of anger or fear, the likelihood you’ll make risky decisions heightens the danger that you’ll inadvertently expose yourself to the coronavirus.
Is your response to COVID: fear, anger… or acceptance and common sense? Are you a supporter or a discourager? You have a choice.
And if you get sick, people around you will get sick, and the second wave of COVID-19 wreaks havoc on more lives.
In this second wave of COVID, you can not only choose how to spend your time in safe ways and safe places, but you can also set an example for others who haven’t really thought all this through.
You Can Be the Voice of Reason and Common Sense
So how will you respond in the second wave of COVID: fear, anger, or… acceptance and common sense?
Will you lead or follow? Either way, you can hopefully find the wisdom and sense of safety that goes with protecting yourself and your loved ones.
That’s what we’re doing here at Innovative Psychiatry. We’re using caution, a commitment to protect our staff and our patients, and we’re fueled by common sense , CDC guidelines, and state and local guidelines. We have the latest plasma technology air filtration system. (We’re all about innovation.) With social distancing, masks, faceshields, and gloves for ketamine treatment, and telepsychiatry for our psychopharmacology patients, we can help you safely.
But…what if you’re overwhelmed with fear… and it won’t calm down? What if rage keep growing, on the verge of exploding, no matter how much you try to be rational and calm?
When Fear Seems to Swallow You Up…
When that happens you may need additional support. You may need an antidepressant or talk therapy. But if you’ve tried other treatments and they haven’t helped at all, you may need ketamine treatment.
Ketamine treatment can restore the connections and structures in your brain that give you the ability to cope and to hope. When you can cope, your patience increases, your outlook brightens, and your inner strength grows.
Hope helps you see past the current pandemic, realizing that your life lies ahead…and that the pandemic will eventually pass and your life will still be there, ready for the new choices you make as you flourish.
Ketamine treatment also can enable you to feel joy, and to enjoy experiences even when you’re isolated. It can empower you to build a happy and rewarding life, and rebuild healthy relationships.
And when that happens, you can respond to COVID with kindness, caring, patience, and endurance…and help others around you achieve that peaceful frame of mind, too.
Because the COVID-19 pandemic is temporary. We’re all in it together. Let’s truly be with each other, our families, and our friends. Let’s look forward to our future.
To the restoration of your best self,
