What is your background? Basically, in layman's terms, you
are quite literally the person who's called in to provide counseling to people
in a crisis or trauma situation?
On 9/11, I was contacted to
provide onsite debriefing for employees impacted by the traumatic events in
history. On Thursday, I have been once again contacted to travel onsite to a
workplace in New York State where employees are very stressed regarding
Covid-19. Learning about the spread of a
new disease can be scary. It’s important for employees to prioritize their own
self-care to cope with any unsettling emotions this situation can bring.
Self-care means making the choice to act in healthy ways rather than just
reacting to events. My purpose is to provide resiliency skills to these
employees and provide self-care reminders to cope with the current state of
emergency.
2. This might be an indescribably obvious question, but
given your background, do you get a sense that people are nervous or
traumatized? How does it manifest itself?
Some common
reactions during these situations include: reduced concentration, withdrawal,
crying and anger. The need is to be patient. Address specific fears with a
rational approach. Healthy employees may be reluctant to come to work or attend
work functions. We need to validate their fear, while also reviewing what they
know. Remember that you can’t take away others’ feelings, but you empathize.
News of a serious disease can spark fears over health, loved ones, and even our
livelihoods that we all share.
3. What are the signs that a person is under stress?
Notice if
family members or employees are having difficulties or displaying anxiety. They
may not come to you themselves out of embarrassment or feeling it is
inappropriate or unprofessional. Notice if fear begins to become panic. Ask
yourself if unreasonable fear is changing your behaviors, for example, being
afraid to leave your home. You might find yourself avoiding places or people. These
may be signs that you could benefit from additional support.
4. What can they do to approach it?
Encourage
concrete moves to help reduce anxiety, such as preparing for quarantine or
making plans for child care in the event of school closings. Respect their
privacy. Leave it up to the person to decide how much they want to talk about
their reactions and what they want to share.
Acknowledge the distressing nature of the situation and how they are
reacting to it. Normalize their feelings. Remember that you can’t take away
others’ feelings, but you empathize. News of a serious disease can spark fears
over health, loved ones, and even our livelihoods that we all share. Keep
offering your support, even if it’s declined at first.
5. What can a family member or friend do?
A good way
to manage any kind of fear is to become educated about it. The more we know
about the real dangers, the more we can take effective steps to avoid or
minimize them, thereby putting some fears to rest. Accurate information is an
effective antidote to unrealistic fears.
Monitor
your exposure to the news. Media news coverage can arouse emotion and increase
fear. It’s important to get the facts, but it may not be helpful to hear
reports over and over. Be aware of how you and family members respond to news
stories. Limit television or online coverage if it becomes distressing.
Put your
risk into perspective. The risk of contracting coronavirus in the U.S. is low
at this time. It’s important to stay aware and informed, but try to make sure
your level of fear does not exceed your risk factors. If you have specific
concerns, contact your health care professional.
Put this
disease in context. The term “pandemic” can be very scary. It means cases of a
new disease are showing up around the world and may spread rapidly because
people don’t have immunity. However, this term doesn’t indicate how dangerous
it’s likely to be. We’re exposed to health risks every day. The good health
habits you use to reduce the risk of communicable diseases, such as washing
hands frequently, are some of the same precautions recommended for coronavirus.
6. This might be redundant, but ultimately, what perspective
can you give on a situation like this? Is there anything people should
know going forward?
Be always
aware, but not always fearful. Awareness means paying attention to news that is
specific to where you live and where you may travel. Awareness is not the same
as being fearful. Constant fear that isn’t reality-based can create stress and
be counter-productive. It can be harder to deal with a true risk when
everything seems like
a danger.
We want to focus on what is happening, rather than getting caught up in
thoughts of what could happen.
7. What advice or feedback can you give from a spiritual
perspective?
As shepherd (Pastor) of Holy Family Catholic Parish in North Java,
I led a Lenten retreat that focused on being the best version of ourselves
based on the virtues taught by Jesus. Compassion and courage in practical ways
come to mind. As one parishioner suggested, “care about your neighbor.” Ask if
they need help or if you can get something for them at the store or if they are
afraid to go out and they cannot afford to buy extra. Second, “watch out for
hungry children” and their parents and offer to help. A lot of our kids get a
large percentage of their food at school. If you have a neighbor with kids and
know or think they are struggling, consider buying some extra food to leave on
their porch like cereal, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, spaghetti and
sauce. Finally, don’t let fear in your heart turn to suspicion and hate. Love
and care for one another, not just because God wants it but because that’s the
kind of person you want to be in your heart,
8. Is there anything I'm missing?
Next Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 10am, I will be leading a “Healing
Service’ that includes the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. We have told
our parishioners to stay home if they have symptoms of illness as directed by
the Center for Disease Control until they get well. Following healthy
guidelines for religious organizations by the CDC, we will make adjustments in
the anointing service not to put anyone at risk. During Lent, we are encouraged
to pray to God to help us become the best version of ourselves. I would like to
extend an invitation to people and leaders of all faiths to come and join us in
a Service of Healing of Unity. Our scientists, researchers and medical staff
need our prayerful support as they work tirelessly to bring comfort to the those
with the coronavirus, comfort to those dying and inspiration and wisdom to
discover a vaccine and make it available to all people throughout our world.
