Backstory
During the pandemic cloud, we were constantly required to make decisions. Older folks in particular knew that exposure could be fatal. There was reason to be scared. How did they cope?
Living In Fear
Explaining how he creates fear in his movie audiences, Alfred Hitchcock once said, “There is no terror in the bang, only the anticipation of it.” Even more so in real life, when there is a threat to your health and wellbeing.
The worst time is when you’re aware that something is wrong but you don’t know what. That time can go on for days, weeks, even months. It’s crushing. Fear stops everyone in their tracks. Whether it’s a new venture, a new task, or a new diagnosis, overcoming the fear can take you halfway to success.
With a medical alert, we tend to dash to the Internet for quick knowledge. You can find words that haunt and dire predictions and absolutely none may be applicable to your situation.
Also, when you’re enveloped in fear, you’re not listening well to the actual information from tests, examinations and medical personnel. If you don’t listen well, you can’t make the best decisions. And you will certainly confuse those around you who want to offer support.
So, the first step in any medical emergency – lose the fear. If it’s going to be bad, being fearful is not going to make it less bad. And if it’s going to be okay, worrying about it is time and effort wasted.
Easy? Not at all. But so necessary to get past the fear to a place where you can listen well, analyze reasonably, and make good decisions.
P.S.
An exercise to follow before beginning the process of the system of coping – Stop, Breathe, Consider, Verify, Act.
[Show #543]