In a Coronavirus world, it’s time we ask a reasonable question. Is there such a thing as being overly cautious to the point that we are actually adversely affecting more beyond our physical health, and even transcending into affecting (adversely) our emotional and mental well being. This line of questioning is entirely reasonable. The reality is that the emotional toll that the social distancing guidelines have caused so many, has been immense. And naturally so. We are all human beings that deserve to have the opportunity to discuss the issues of the day with each-other.
Helen Lee Schifter says that human beings serve a symbiotic relationship with one another. And the reality is that this is indeed the case. We feed off one another in social interactions. It’s the way we are able to stimulate interest among one another; and ultimately to feel emotionally and mentally healthy. Social interaction is a must in order to enhance one’s emotional and mental state and well being.
So what is overly cautious? According to Helen Lee Schifter just like anything else, a healthy balance and medium needs to be achieved in order to ensure that the guidelines we are imposing on one another, and all the associated restrictions, do not become too onerous and burdensome for us all. This is a reasonable and intelligent explanation and position, given the circumstances.
We all have friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances that have taken things to the extreme. The Coronavirus restrictions are no different. Some refuse to communicate with one another in person, even at a six foot distance, which according to the science and statistical data is adequate to preserve safety and security. Others, have the paranoia that is justified due to all the chaos that’s been generated by media coverage about this, to not want to go outside, period.
But the deleterious effects that all this isolation can have on our mental well being is not being taken into account. And it should be. There needs to be more about our mental and emotional health that is considered as our policymakers and elected officials continue churning out proposal and policy prescriptions. Those in the media also need to take this into account as they continue reporting on all the awful ramifications surrounding this pandemic.
When there is news to share that indicates the pandemic might be dwindling down, they should not fear reporting that and covering it in an adequate and proper fashion. The reality is that they will not become social pariahs simply for reporting the truth, and sharing raw data with the public writ large.
Beyond members of the media, the public must take this into account as well. We can all continue exercising caution without overdoing it . There needs to be a delicate balance struck between being careful so as not to overstep our bounds; but also ensuring that we’re not going overboard so as to create devastating impacts on our mental health.
As the world continues grappling with the prospect of a second outbreak , and an outgrowth of the initial pandemic, lawmakers must be conscious of the aforementioned. It would be reckless and irresponsible on their parts to not be. This is a serious issue – the mental health and emotional health of the public deserves the recognition that physical health gets. They are just as important – and in some cases, even more important. Let’s start seeing people treating them as such.