How the Field of Psychology Can Inform About How to Manage Epidemics/ Pandemics

I was contemplating the Covid-19 situation. While I thought on this and while a watched an onslaught of vastly different opinions and vantage points, I started thinking of something I studied in the field of psychology a while back. It is a concept I loosely/indirectly encourage(d) for my clients in moments that seem threatening. The concept is something called the use of The Wise Mind.

I have no idea how to approach the Covid-19 situation... but I do have some experience helping folks in times of fear. Our world situation is real and is understandably concerning for some....Nobody likes being sick, nobody wants to compromise their health, most find the unknown hard and/or scary, and anybody can be confused or scared about what to do and how to do it at a time that feels threatening.

In my very humble opinion, our approach as individuals and the approach of medical professionals, health policy professionals, and politicians might benefit from the concept of the Wise Mind.

When explaining the Wise Mind, we consider that brain and body relationship provides two invaluable states: one state that might be called the Reasonable/Reasoning Mind (the state that employs logic, knowledge, and reason related to fact) and the Feeling/Emotional Mind (which is, as it sounds, the state governed by emotion). As humans, we have both states. The combination and extent of brain development for us to possess both states is what makes us uniquely human.

To employ the Wise Mind, we validate, respect, and try to make use of both the Reasoning Mind and the Feeling Mind. Both are important and essential for effective and well chosen action. To see the usefulness of combining logic and emotion, we acknowledge that factual information empowers and that emotions also offer valuable guidance, but that being too much in one state can cause dillemmas.

If we make choices solely from a state of panic, things can become pretty darn confusing. If we collectively act on fear as a society, we then have a pandemic of fear; this would not be good for any of us. In this situation with Covid-19, as in most life situations, being level-headed helps us make good, healthy decisions. So, when something feels threatening, we can try a few things. Decide what it is that gets you specifically to your own Wise Mind, level-headed place.

Related to Covid-19, we can try to reduce our own panic by just thinking about doing those things that make us happy and and doing those things that clear our minds. Turning away from too much media coverage of the issue, doing more of what you enjoy, and choosing positive activities helps. Watch a funny movie, go to the park, hang out or talk on the phone with those you love... Do what works for you to attain the goal of feeling less panic or fear. Ifyou desire information about the issue, try turn to factual information, learn those facts, and then move on to the other things that fill your day.

At the same time, honor your body if you feel sick. Avoidance of concern doesn't assist either. Just as logic is essential, we cannot dismiss emotions -- both guide us as humans in powerful and remarkable ways. In this regard, the role of a health professional is to consider how to help others in a whole-body focused way. If a patient has fear or concern or fear, listen and validate without being dismissive. Nobody wants to be dismissed. That is a pretty tall order, though, for medical professionals, though, if everyone is freaking out. So, we all are responsible in minimizing our own panic and choosing wisely.

Hopefully we can collectively understand and honor both the Reasoning Mind and the Emotional Mind not only in ourselves, but also in others. I hope all professionals consider that fear is normal in this type of situation. If and when learned professionals listen and understand other's fears and validate them, they can then respond in ways that that incorporate the use of logic and facts.

I feel we will get through this, even if the situation is tough. Maybe, if we all try our best to act and respond using the Wise Mind concept, we will get through and address the issue faster or more effectively.