Sept 14th, 2021: Fear and Isolation

 

"I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time." - Charlie Brown.


Well, many of us cannot say that at this moment. One of the damaging side effects of Covid-19 is many people are feeling unsettled about life. 


The combination of fear and isolation is challenging. Some have lost the motivation for work. Some have lost touch with the meaning of being alive. The consequences are far more severe than we can imagine.


What are the effects of fear? Many studies have been done on the biological and psychological impacts of fear on people individually and corporately. On an individual level, we know it weakens our immune system. The more the daily news intensifies the coverage of Covid-19 as if it is the only calamity that humanity has to face today, the more it creates a wrong perception of reality in some people's emotions. That doesn't help people to fight the virus.


What is the impact of isolation? Anxiety and depression are common. Some scientists also believe that long periods of isolation also shrink our brain. Sleeplessness, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity are the outcomes of isolation. We don't think straight and we don't feel right.


When we combine fear and isolation, we will most likely experience death. It is more than physical death. It is the death of hope, purpose, meaning, and joy. Mental health professionals begin to see a significant increase in these forms of death. We need to have a more comprehensive approach toward Covid-19.


Now we know how fortunate Charlie Brown is. Maybe it is healthy to give ourselves a break from all the hypes and get back to learning how to have healthy relationships with others. Isolation and fear have damaged that aspect of life severely. 


Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” 


Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."

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