This Friday the World Health Organization Confirmed 2500 cases of swine flu in 25 different countries and a total 25 deaths. It's no wonder stores say their supply of hand sanitizer is flying off the shelf. So if you're feeling anxious and worried about yourselves and family it's completely understandable but it's also important not to let that anxiety get out of control.
Here are some steps to keep your fears under control:
1. Stay grounded in reality. To date most cases reported in the U.S. have not been life threatening (only two deaths). Most Americans who contract the H1N1 virus have recovered.
2. Get reliable accurate information. Don't make your main information gathering source the main stream media. Unfortunately the main stream media can have a tendency to bombard you with a seemingly never ending stream of reports. These reports may be overwhelming and at times somewhat dramatized and sensational.
It's best to get your information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization or any other credible health organization.
The conclusion: don't get your information from a middle man; go directly to the source such as the CDC.
3. The best reaction to anxiety is action. Along with washing your hands regularly you should go on and live your life. Keep your self busy by being socially active, exercising, meditating and keeping a full schedule.
4. Communicate with your family. One way of undermining your fears is to discuss the subject with those most important to you. Communicate with your children about any concerns they might be having. This will not only help them maintain a sense of calm but it should also help alleviate your own distress.
5. Seek additional help.. If you have very intense feelings of helplessness, anxiety or depression it may be time to seek the help of a licensed mental health professional. Below are some resources to help you do just that.
Oh, and for some good news: According the the World Health Organization, we are now better prepared for a flu outbreak than at any other time in history. Read more
Helpful Links:
American Psychological Association-Psychologist Locator