We hear it from all the official media. And we also usually tell the upset partner to “calm down”, because stress kills our immunity.
But does it really work?
Unfortunately, it’s not a button that you can turn on or off, neither over coronavirus nor in the relations. It becomes effective only by providing advice on how to do so or providing consistent facts that ease the mind.
What you can do:
- Suggest things to do or focus on something else in order to alleviate their panic – for example, running, yoga, art, etc. You are the one who knows what he or she loves, aren’t you?
- Help to find reliable information channels, those providing up-to-date data and shoving the measures taken to relieve feelings of helplessness.
- Be honest. Lies and fake news increase panic, even if they look reassuring. Let your friend or loved one be also honest and tell you when it’s enough to talk about COVID-19.
- The last, but not the least, suggest limiting media exposure, like scrolling for news, not more than 15 minutes a day or twice daily.And, if you find out that you or your friend or loved one can’t cope with panic, let the specialist help you.
So, stop saying “Don’t panic”. You already know what to do instead.
