Considerations at this time of the coronavirus spread

LETTER | We are in midst of a once in a generation calamity. We are all impacted, some more than others. But there are some wider considerations that bear reflection.

The first is around control. Most of us fear things we cannot control. Infection, getting cancer, these are frightening things that are beyond our grasp.

In fact, we are more fearful of sitting in a plane than driving, although statistically, road journeys present a much higher risk than air travel.

Because we are not in control of the plane, we feel more vulnerable.

We believe that if we are in control of an activity, we can protect ourselves and others.

But the pandemic has shown that no matter how smart and vigilant we are, there are forces much greater than us. Although human beings might be the most supreme creatures in the animal kingdom, we are ultimately vulnerable.

Acknowledging this vulnerability can be both prudent and a source of strength.

One helpful approach to life is to control what we can control and accept the nature of what we can’t control.

While we are legitimately afraid of the virus, there are many other threats we can usefully do something about. Heart disease is a much bigger killer than the Covid 19 pandemic will ever be.

In this regard, action directed towards smoking cessation, moderating alcohol consumption, modifying diet and increasing physical activity will pay a handsome dividend. These can be endeavours we can redouble our commitment to.

At a governmental level, suicide and mental health-related ailments will claim more lives than the coronavirus ever will. Evidence-based interventions that can help those battling depression and anxiety include personal and group therapy as well as medication.

Increased governmental funding towards these interventions will not only make a big difference to individual patients but also allow for a happier and healthier nation.

A third consideration is home. Most of us are now forced to be at home. For some of us, the home might appear alien. This demonstrates how our lives have succumbed to a chase of sorts, whether this is a chase for monetary gain or fame.

In the midst of the pandemic, both money and fame offer little protection.

However, relationships with family and friends, and most importantly, ourselves, can offer considerable succour.

Home isolation and lockdowns need not be painful and soul-destroying. In fact, they can open doors to the psyche that have hitherto been out of view and out of mind.

DR ARUN SUBRAMANIAM is a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Melbourne, Australia

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.