Fear Is Dangerous: Keys To Handling Coronavirus And Avoiding Panic | MSNBC In a compelling MSNBC segment, co-author of "The Art of the Deal", Tony Schwartz, joins host Ari Melber to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has ignited widespread panic and uncertainty among many across the United States. The conversation highlights how fear manifests during public health crises and offers insights into managing that fear effectively.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Panic: Schwartz emphasizes that the feeling of panic severely impairs our ability to think clearly. The initial response to fear can lead individuals to take drastic actions, often out of a distorted sense of urgency. For example, he recounts scenarios where supermarket shelves have been stripped bare, reflecting the surge in panic buying.
Balancing Urgency with Calm: The discussion stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between recognizing the urgency of a pandemic and managing personal stress. Schwartz discusses how emotions can trigger fight-or-flight responses, leading to irrational behaviors. Learning to manage these feelings is crucial during such crises.
Empower Your Inner Adult: Schwartz articulates the need to channel the calmer, more rational parts of our psyche during stressful times. He advocates for adults to take charge, offering comfort to their more vulnerable selves, which often react like children faced with fear. This self-care approach helps mitigate feelings of helplessness.
Finding Control in Uncertainty: As uncertainty reigns, Schwartz suggests that individuals must turn to their own resources and perspectives rather than relying solely on external authorities. He notes that feeling out of control can increase anxiety and urges a shift from a victim mentality to one of proactive engagement in self-care.
Moving Beyond Blame: The dialogue also touches on the political implications of leadership during the pandemic, critiquing how blame can lead to a cycle of inaction. Schwartz encourages focusing on actionable solutions rather than giving in to political narratives that detract from effective public health measures.
Conclusion
This discussion offers valuable insights into the psychological impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and emphasizes strategies for personal empowerment amid crisis. Understanding emotional responses and fostering resilience can help individuals navigate not just public health emergencies, but a variety of challenges in daily life. What do you think about these insights? Have you found effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety during major events? Share your thoughts and experiences below!