I am not one of those folks who can walk through life with a laid-back approach to living.

Fear and anxiety are two of my nemeses, so I have to work diligently to keep worry and concern from overtaking my thoughts at times.

I even wear a rubber band around my wrist, so anytime negative or crazy thoughts enter my head, I just give myself a pop.

Admittedly, I have yearned for more of a “Que sera sera” type of attitude, but figure that somewhere between these two extremes would be the optimum place to be.

That balance should certainly be observed with COVID-19.

Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the global coronavirus a pandemic.

For worriers like me, hearing this could set off all the alarms that live in our heads, while also directing our thoughts to “worst-case scenarios.”

And let me just say, living with anxiety is no fun. Thank goodness everyone is not like me. Otherwise, this updated news report could cause a panic.

Obviously, pandemonium is not the answer, but thumbing your nose at the situation isn’t either.

Although everyone is susceptible to the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control website states those at the highest risk of developing more serious complications are older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions.

However, just because you may not fit into either of these categories, does not give you a pass to throw caution to the wind.

Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, therefore everyone should take steps to prevent the spread.

Just hours after finishing the first draft of this column, the first presumptive positive case of the virus in Mississippi was reported in Hattiesburg.

There is no doubt more cases of COVID-19 will appear. The question is how will we respond. My hopes are with a combination of continued precaution and calm.

I am speaking to myself, as well as all the others who err on the side of apprehension.

When your heart races and breathing becomes short and fast, much effort is needed to still the distress.

Hearing about the spread of coronavirus can certainly serve as a catalyst, so for me, I will continue to use some of my coping mechanisms, which now include implementing spiritual and educational reading material into my daily routine.

Certainly, the coronavirus can divvy out anxiety, but the best defense is to stay calm and follow the CDC’s guidelines, like washing your hands, to prevent the disease.

And for those stressing over the shortage of hand sanitizer, rubber bands can be readily found.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.