
Catastrophic thinking can be defined as ruminating about irrational, worst-case outcomes. It can increase anxiety and prevent people from taking action in a situation where the action is required. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-face-adversity/201103/catastrophic-thinking)
As a recovering catastrophic thinker, I am personally finding the Coronavirus hard to deal with. Yes, I am in a panic. I have fought it for over a week. I woke up this morning and I was more anxious than usual. I began to think about how many people could lose their jobs, go without food, lose their homes, lose their family members, even lose their lives.
I do not have the career I used to have, what if my kids lose their jobs? How will I help them? I can't help them. What if they catch the virus and I cannot visit them in the hospital? What is Ed catches the virus or his family? They are my family as well. How are we going to deal with this? I am not prepared. Why did I not prepare enough?
I do NOT want to think like this. My faith has always been strong. So NOT today Satan, NOT today!
Yesterday we turned off the news and we binge-watched “Band of Brothers” until 2:30 am. That felt nice, so today, let's have a repeat and add to the list.
Things I am going to do today
- Pray
- Turn off the news
- Walk around the yard
- Wash the blankets on the couch
- Fold the clothes
- Check on my family members
- Binge watch a few series
- Maybe bake something
- Think about a list for tomorrow
- Listen to music that soothes me
Things I am not going to do
- Panic
- Overthink
- Watch the news
- Tend to social media
- Watch the news
What are you doing to overcome the panic?