Let’s laugh a little about Corona.

I want to preface this article with saying that I by no means intend to downplay the magnitude of COVID-19. I am fully aware that we’re facing a global pandemic, which is growing into an unmatched public health emergency. And that in itself is no joke. However, as Coronavirus has truly set in, its manifestation as one of the most talked-about public discourse matters is fueled by mediatization no other previous plague has entertained (lucky!). This in turn, has given room to a plethora of nobodies - people who are not professionals in the subject matter - spreading an unwarranted narrative around how we talk about it. And the how is so important. So, while we’re struggling to grapple with the current and future consequences of COVID-19, we’re simultaneously bombarded with a fount of misinformation, far-fetched conspiracy theories and a picture of a post-apocalyptic world that is so fucking hyperrealistic it’s giving people anxiety.

Now, my use of the word “anxiety” here is not in the typical millennial- esque context – the hyperbolic type, like “This episode of YOU is giving me anxiety” – I mean the actual, psychological health issue. And this is the exact tension I’m here to talk about.

The whirlwind of discussion around Corona is so emotionally-draining, we’re failing as a society to take a moment to rationalize, and function as logical, educated beings. We’re inviting the wave of fear and loss of reason that accompanies the disease by mindlessly sharing, false-articles full of facts, figures and information that are masked as education. But what we’re unable to recognize is the consequence this has on the mental health of others – the bombardment of corona-phobia is literally fertile ground for those suffering from anxiety and triggering it for the first time in others. And most of us don’t know where to hide from it. With that said, its becoming ever-so important that we are mindful of mental health as we tackle the impeding fear of the physical. And as we now all commence into further isolation and social-distancing, the beautiful irony is that this should be the peak of emotional proximity.

I do not doubt that there is no greater comfort and healing than being able to concede our struggles collectively – but, can we do it differently? All I ask is that you be more conscious of the next piece of news you share – ask yourself would it trigger others? Console yourself through meme-therapy (yes, that’s totally a thing) and embrace pop-culture’s ability to turn the most horrific situations into humorous.

Let’s tamp down the panic-buying and fear-contagion. Instead, check-in on your loved ones, and spare some positivity. Make sure you are not another agent slowly nudging yourself and others into a deep cycle of anxiety and depression – I know you think you’re not one of them, but that article you recently shared on patient 31 was no good, to anyone. We need to lead ourselves out of this morass with regained sanity, and that doesn’t mean acting nonchalant. Just being a tad more mindful. I’m personally trying to find my own ways of muting the emotional overload – through meditation, music and a lot of memes. As a start to substituting the pessimism with positivity, I would recommend breaking your Corona-posting routine - check out this website that has anything but Coronavirus to talk about. As we continue to educate ourselves and practice prevention, let’s not forget that there will be life post-corona.

Honestly, this is not the zombie apocalypse. Just wash your hands (thoroughly and for 20-seconds). And as mom-cliché as it sounds, this too shall pass …