Take Care and Do Not Fear

I went into Bartell's this morning to see if they had any hand sanitizer. I was hoping to give one to Naomi to keep in her backpack. No surprise, they were all out. They were also all out of most soap, rubbing alcohol and Lysol. I could have panicked. But a) I think we actually have some with our travel supplies. And b) I trust the information out of the CDC. From them I understand that though we in Washington have been more affected than most states, the virus is still not widespread and that there are concrete and common sense steps I can still take to be precautious - with or without hand sanitizer.

I don't tend to be alarmist about things in general, and so it doesn't always occur to me that others may have anxieties about any given situation. But our children (never mind some of you!) may be feeling fearful or worried given the prevalence of Corona virus in the media and the urging we're all hearing to take those precautions in the link above. (Regarding media consumption, I found this twitter thread about mental wellbeing and constant news consumption to be interesting and helpful).

If you're kids are experiencing anxiety or even if they are wondering what the big deal is about Corona Virus and you want some tips on how to talk with them about it, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a how-to. Children will exhibit their anxiety in a variety of ways depending on age and personality. Responding to children's anxiety is similar to responses in many other stressful situations. Be a good listener, allowing more time and attention and assurance than you otherwise might. Allow questions and provide honest answers but limit access to media. Encourage positive activities and tell stories about helping responses to the outbreak. You and your kids may be encouraged to know that children seem to less affected by the virus.

One positive story-telling opportunity from Menno Media is the book Don't Be Afraid: Stories of Christians in Times of Trouble. It's a book of stories by Rebecca Seilig and Cindy Snyder, telling of people responding with care in times of crisis and illness. It was written during the SARS outbreak but the story about a nurse and her family in Toronto seems like a scenario that could be happening here and now. You can download the whole book free at the link above or go directly to the story "Love Behind a Mask" about nurse Amanda and her experience with SARS.

Of course, please care for your own mental and physical health! You are welcome to check out theses tips from the World Health Organization and (SAMHSA).

Be well, community. Take care of yourselves and each other. You are beloved.