If you type ‘what to do about fear’ into Google, you will find no lack of pages from reputable institutions, telling you how to face your fears and anxieties. In most of these helpful narratives, the unspoken assumption is that these fears are irrational and excessive, and not a reasonable response to a situation that should, in fact, be invoking fear.
We are living in fraught times, and there are many things going on which may well evoke fear in us, especially if they trigger trauma, whether personal or communal. We may freeze, flee or fight, or all three, which may not be the best way to handle a situation.
One way to counter these instinctive reactions is to consider what action might be appropriate. If we are afraid of a group of people, can we research whether we are in danger? We might be overreacting emotionally. Or maybe we aren’t — in which case we can try and figure out what to do about the danger we might be in. Either way, we will feel more in control of the situation and less panicky and helpless.
Everyone faces fear differently — the most important thing to do is assess the fear and act rationally.
Maybe we are afraid of being infected with an illness — given the current surge in respiratory viruses in the northern hemisphere, including an increased risk of Long COVID in people who have been infected repeatedly, it makes sense to consider what actions we should take. I consider wearing a well-fitted KN95 respirator in crowded indoor places a rational thing to do at this time. Others might feel differently but, in any case, it is worth doing some research to give ourselves a rational basis for action. Vibes aren’t going to cut it, unfortunately.
The articles on dealing with fear give the usual advice — take care of yourself, eat and sleep well, be sure to connect with people who care about you. For me, exercise is a great way to calm myself and settle my overactive imagination. I’d love to know what works best for you!
Emet Hadass Eviatar
West Kildonan community correspondent
Emet Hadass Eviatar is a community correspondent for West Kildonan.
