How can we support each other?

With so much uncertainty and confusion at the moment it’s now more than ever that we need to try and support each other, as a community and as a society at large.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the desperation and chaos all around us. Just go to the supermarket and see all the empty shelves – it’s nothing like we have ever seen before! When an item that has previously been out of stock is repacked onto the shelves people make sure to purchase that item, almost immediately, to ensure they won’t go without if it is indefinitely unavailable.

There are so many memes about toilet paper circulating on social media that it’s become quite a joke. However, many people are going without while others are stockpiling their cupboards. People are fighting over items when realistically new stock comes in every day so there is no need to behave in such aggressive and selfish ways.

Some people are only thinking about themselves.

What’s most important at this time is that we all support each other, look after each other and care for each other, possibly more than we ever have in the past.

Even though you may not be affected or only suffer mild symptoms, there are many other people who may react differently. Our actions can have a flow-on effect to others, so it’s really important to think about what we do and how we behave.

For example:

·         Look after yourself – it’s important to look after your own well-being. Keep hydrated, eat well and try and get some exercise. If you become unwell you are no longer able to help others around you.

·         Check in on family, friends and loved ones – even if it’s just over the phone. Make sure that they are OK and have everything that they need. Do some shopping for them if they don’t want to leave the house or just spend time talking with them so they done feel lonely or isolated. People may not necessarily be affected but they may be going through other issues at this time such as anxiety and depression or even worry about how things will be. Sometimes all it takes is a phone call to reach out and make people feel that much better.

·         Respect each other - I have heard many stories of people pushing in front of others in shopping queues and some shop attendants are being yelled at because they no longer accept cash for transactions. I’m sure there are many other examples you may have heard. It’s time we show each other the respect that we would like to be shown ourselves.

·         Practice personal space - you may not have COVID-19 but think about other people and how they may feel when you can get quite close to them.

·         Be realistic - acting as if nothing serious is happening is quite naïve. Many people are getting sick and in order to lessen these numbers we need to practice good hygiene. As advised by the health departments, we need to wash our hands properly and regularly. Likewise, if you see or sense that someone is unwell keep your distance.

Over the coming time I will be posting tips and ideas as to how to deal with the issues prevalent in today’s media and society at large.

Best of health to you and your loved ones at this time.

Wishing you good health and happiness.