Do We Handle Problems with Panic or Peace?

Death, disease, natural disasters–when things happen that are out of our control, do we handle the problems with panic or peace?

Sometimes when we don’t fully understand something, our confusion can stir up a commotion. Left unchecked, there’s the potential for panic.

Novel Coronovirus COVID-19

One example of this is the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 epidemic which first registered in China in December 2019 and is now appearing around the world.

At this writing, there are over 98,000 global cases of COVID-19. Over 3,000 people have died as a result.

According to the PAHO/WHO as of March 2, 2020:

“In the Region of the Americas, a total of 81 COVID-19 cases have been reported from six countries – Brazil (2), Canada (24), Ecuador (6), Mexico (5), the Dominican Republic (1), and the United States of America (43). In addition, the United States reported 48 individuals who tested positive for COIVD-19 among repatriated persons from Wuhan, China (3) and the Diamond Princess cruise ship (45).

To date, two (2) COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the region of the Americas – both are from the United States of America.”

Mitchell, C. (2020). PAHO/WHO | Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Those numbers have increased since March 2. While this is upsetting news, we still have a choice of how we will respond.

We can choose to be purveyors of panic or planters of peace.

Purveyors of Panic

When something unexplainable produces undesirable results, many people begin to generalize, hypothesize, and sensationalize.

Sometimes generalizing information rather than focusing on specific details increases anxiety. If you’re discussing world events, consider your audience. Would focusing just on the facts help put them at ease?

Hypothesizing about the reasons for a tragedy should also be handled carefully so as not to stigmatize innocent people groups or organizations.

And, unfortunately, there are people in the world who make their living sensationalizing events. Scammers scout for fearful prey.

Others genuinely want to help inform the public, but the manner in which they do so is so dramatic it causes more angst than assurance.

Mama Bears & Preppers

Informing people to use sanitizer, wash their hands, and keep a safe distance is the most helpful advice concerning COVID-19.

But as the statistics continue to climb, our minds can’t seem to process that those things are enough.

The protective “mama bears” in us want to quarantine all of our loved ones within the safe walls of our homes. At least, until a vaccine is formulated or the virus has fizzled out.

Also, for some. a panicked-prepper-mode has kicked in.

One evidence of this, petaining to the COVID-19, is the hoarding of surgical masks.

With depleting quantities, the price of masks increased six-fold. So, during my last visit to a physician’s office, I squirreled away two complimentary masks offered at the front desk.

Then, I felt bad when I later read the World Health Organization is begging people to allow the supply to first go to the health workers who are on the front lines treating the sick.

Also, I learned the general population, who wear masks as a general preventative measure, may not be aware that the masks become ineffective when moistened by their breathing. This occurs after approximately thirty minutes of wear.

Masks must be saved for those who really need them.

There’s nothing wrong with being cautious in certain environments or reasonably preparing for emergencies.

But gaining and sharing accurate knowledge, instead of spreading hearsay, will help reduce panic and possibly save lives.

Seek Trustworthy Sources

Avoid panic by seeking trustworthy sources for updates and then plan accordingly.

In the case of COVID-19, or other health issues you might keep these organizations in mind:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Your Local State’s Department of Human and Health Services

In the case of other stressors that wreak havoc on the mind, body, or soul, the same advice applies. Seek out strong and trustworthy sources for wisdom. Be cautious of the bellowers of gloom and doom, Chicken Littles, and the “hawks.”

Planters of Peace

In the midst of any pandemonium there is also unabated media coverage which can sow seeds of doubt and fear.

Choose to be a planter of peace.

Protect your family from any unnecessary information that may lead to an emotional overload.

When someone is afraid, you can help plant peace in several ways.

Listen attentively. Sometimes just the ability to voice our concerns helps alleviate stress.

Help keep things in perspective. Question if anything is gained by harboring all of the “what-if” worries.

Offer proactive suggestions to alleviate stress. Ask, “What is within our power to control?” Determine the abilities each person has that will help them tackle certain challenges.

Turn the focus away from ourselves and toward serving others. How can we help other people during this difficult time? Are we able to volunteer, counsel, donate, pray?

Talk about what is being done to help resolve the situation. Mention those who are searching for solutions, what’s been discovered so far, and the steps that have already been taken to alleviate the problems. Help little ones look for the helpers.

Point out how God is aware and working in the situation. Have you noticed any good things happening in the midst of the troubles? Talk about those or write them down.

Pray together. Never underestimate the power of God.

Most importantly, share with people how true peace is found through the grace of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens in this world, we can have an everlasting peace through Him.

Jesus said,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27(NIV)

When You’re Afraid

Find a friend and do the things listed above! 

Plus, when world events unleash like a twister, stay anchored to the firm foundation of God’s Holy Word. Using the concordance of a Bible look up scriptures on fear, courage, and trust.

Find ways to destress. Listen to praise music, watch a sun set, create something, or learn a new skill.

Read through old diaries and prayer journals. Remember how God has always been faithful in His love and provision. Share stories of previous hardships and how God worked through those.

Keep praying through your fears and place your trust in the Creator of the universe. Ask that He open your eyes to see and learn things in the midst of life’s storms. And that He will help you not be a purveyor of panic but be a planter of peace.

How do you handle stressful events in life? Are you a purveyor of panic or a planter of peace? Perhaps you’ve been a little of both, or you’re making a transition. Share with us what you’ve found helpful.

Sources: www.who.int, www.cdc.gov, www.osha.gov