[Health Column] How to Overcome the Shadows of the Mind Cast by COVID-19

Let Go of Excessive Anxiety
Narrow Emotional Distance Further
Worry but Kill Anger
Let's Foster a Sense of Solidarity Together

The term "Corona Blue" has become widely used, reflecting the psychological difficulties we have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages, when the domestic situation was poor, many felt self-deprecating. As the pandemic became global and the domestic situation improved, people became more relaxed, sometimes leading to less caution. Even beyond COVID-19, similar viral infectious diseases will visit us again. We must firmly defend ourselves so that infectious diseases do not cast a dark shadow on our minds.

The first way to do this is to let go of excessive anxiety. In the early spread of COVID-19, many people excessively sought information through TV or the internet. While obtaining objective information is important, when searching for information goes beyond that to the point of obsession, anxiety actually intensifies. Physical symptoms worsen and depression deepens. Of course, this does not mean there is no need to worry about the spread of infectious diseases at all. It means focusing on appropriate social distancing, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing based on accurate facts, but not becoming obsessed with chasing after infectious disease information.

Second, distinguish between social distancing and emotional distancing. Social distancing means avoiding places where many people gather because the risk of infectious disease transmission is high. It does not mean cutting off all contact with people. However, from our perspective, where meeting people itself has been considered the basis of interaction, it is easy to feel social distancing and emotional distancing as one and the same, like thread and needle. Especially for those in self-quarantine, they may not want to inform others of their isolation and may not even respond to contacts from acquaintances. Many people, afraid of infection, do not leave their homes and spend their days isolated by cutting off most emotional interactions. As social distancing continues, emotional distance with close people should be narrowed and kept close.

Third, it is important to distinguish between worry and anger. We are all making many sacrifices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We send deep encouragement to those working harder than us on the front lines. However, many people express great anger over sudden new outbreaks. School openings have been repeatedly canceled, and incomes have decreased due to economic contraction. Prices of essentials like masks and hand sanitizers have risen during the infectious disease situation, increasing household burdens. In such circumstances, irresponsible behavior appears as a reckless deviation, provoking anger first. However, feelings of anger only make oneself suffer. Let us not be trapped by emotions that tighten around us. Unless the purpose is to condemn someone, how about opening a forum for exchanging opinions to find better solutions?

Finally, let us have a sense of solidarity. Infectious diseases cannot be resolved by one person alone. Everyone must do well. What happens if one of the four pillars supporting the ceiling shakes? The burden shifts to the other pillars, and eventually, the ceiling will collapse. Wisdom is needed to support the ceiling evenly. The spread of infectious diseases can never be stopped alone. We must all be a little cautious and considerate of each other.

The COVID-19 crisis will eventually be overcome. But one thing is certain: another crisis will come again. We are now training ourselves to acquire the wisdom and coping methods gained from overcoming past crises. If we complete this training well, we will be able to face the next infectious disease crisis more safely than now. Let us focus more on the daily life and work given to us rather than on anxiety and difficulties. The shadow cast by infectious diseases on our minds can grow or shrink depending on the direction of our thoughts. Adjusting the direction of thought depends solely on ourselves.

Jung Seok-hoon, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, Seoul