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I also offer therapy via on-line and phone mediums when required.  ​

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Email: melaniepsychotherapist@gmail.com

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Fear, Worry and Anxiety

Fear, worry and anxiety
Covid -19
March 2020
 
A mind not to be changed by place or time. The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven (Milton, 1608)

With the announcement of the covid 19 pandemic in mainland Europe a prevailing sense of fear has manifested. Our whole world as we know it has been upended, hence exposing the fragile nature of our existence. This virus will be the defining challenge of our generation. An Taoiseach national address on St. Patricks night asserted that fear is a virus itself. At an unprecedented and anxiety provoking time as this I refer to research and historical figures who have overcome great personal fears and anxieties in their lifetime. The first who comes to mind was the visionary and Holocaust survivor Dr. Victor Frankl. Within the confines of the concentration camp he managed  to challenge his fearful thoughts and not only overcome them but find a sense of freedom and peace of mind. His famous quote, referenced in Man’s Search for Meaning, summed up his philosophical outlook; “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way”. The fear of a specific fear such as Covid-19 is clinically valuable and is of practical use in one’s life, but it does not alter who one is mentally. We too can be the source of fear and it is important that we become aware of how we project it onto the world.  Hawkins (2019) states the essence of pure fear comes from within and therefore willingness is essential to own that we are the source of fear.
 
How does one become overcome fear and anxiety?

The human dilemma is that which arises out of a man’s capacity to experience himself as both subject and object at the same time. Both are necessary- for the science of psychology, for therapy, and for gratifying living (May, 1967, p.8).   

According to Victor Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”. To overcome fear, worry and anxiety it is helpful to dis-identify (not dissociate) from the negative emotion. One can do this by fostering objective self-awareness. Therefore, we do not try to handle fear at its level of expression or extension into the world (Hawkins, 2009). Instead, we attempt to heighten our personal awareness becoming conscious of that which we are, which is greater than the fear, and learn how to remove ourselves from the emotion so that we can experience that we are more than our fear.

We have to learn to look away from  the thoughts and instead deal with fear at a feeling level. To eliminate negative emotions it is important to let go of their associate mental images that attract and amplify associated emotions. According to Glasser (2016, p.37), it is a great challenge to control feelings but one can control their behaviour of which acting and thinking are most important. “Every thought that comes into your head and every physical action....is a choice” (Glasser & Glasser, 2007, p.24). Discipline is needed here.  Just refuse the image and cancel the temptation to indulge in it. Useless I choose to change what I do and think, I will not change what I feel. Fearful thoughts and anxieties are primarily based on future worrisome thoughts. A fearful feeling will engender millions of fearful thoughts (Hawkins, 2019). We actually have to look below the feeling to the energy field out of which the feeling is originating and then learn how to handle fear directly (Hawkins, 2019). Radical truth allows one to experience the feeling of fear and not attach to the thoughts or concepts that one is projecting onto the experience. We become the witness observer of our own feelings and through awareness comes choice to change. “Paradoxical intention consists in a reversal of one’s attitude towards their symptom to enable them to detach himself from their neuroses” (Frankl, 1960b, p.534). The person is encouraged to face their fear and seek acceptance. The pathogenic fear is replaced by a paradoxical wish (Frankl, 1966a p.255). The purpose is to enable one to develop a sense of detachment toward their neurosis. Acceptance and humour ameliorate this challenge.
 
Self-isolation

According to American author and  professor of psychiatry, Irvin D. Yalom, the experience of existential isolation engenders a highly uncomfortable subjective state and, similar to any case of dysphoria, is not tolerated by the individual for long (Yalom 1931, p. 363). The defences must work interminably to eliminate or ignore the feeling of isolation. Many people cannot bear this. Yet to be alone with the Self is the highest and most decisive human experience – one must be alone to find out what it is that supports oneself when they can no longer support self (Von Franz, 1975). Only this experience can give one an indestructible foundation (Von Franz, 1975). Yalom (1931) asks how does one shield oneself from the dread of ultimate isolation?  One may take a portion of the isolation into oneself and bear it courageously, or to reference Heidegger ‘resolutely’ (Yalom, 1931) .No relationship can eliminate isolation. Each of us is alone in existence (Yalom, 1931). However, we are also aware that no man is an island and we most definitely do need each other as an emotional or mental support if nothing else. Social distancing does not have to mean social disconnection. Technology is proving its worth at times like these. Use it wisely. 
 
Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to "beliefs in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action required producing given attainments” (Bandura, 1993, p.3).

Taking time to reflect and self-talk is important. Self-talk, including affirmations and positive thinking, are useful to surrender and let go of fears. Journal keeping is good practice in facilitating self-reflection. Mindful living including hobbies such as, reading, singing, movement to music, walking, yoga, art, cooking, gardening, connecting with nature and /or a pet, even getting physically engaged in housework all have a grounding function and aid self-regulation. Finally, Frankl confronts coping with tragic events, as often shifting the focus onto meaning and proper attitudes. His approach focuses on a search for meaning and purpose that helps others triumph over tragedy. Upon rigorous reflection what we will find is that every fear ultimately leads to the fear of our mortality. The only protection is owning that we are the source of our own experience, that we are the master of it, that we can handle it, and that we are greater than it.  Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on one’s automatic negative thoughts (See on resources page CBT work sheets). Letting go of the worst-case scenario is extremely beneficial. With the quietening of emotion that is consequent to acceptance, the way is now clear to facilitate the use of reason, discernment, and the intellect without interference from a stressful feeling, such as fear of survival.
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People will be challenged to view their reality from a different perspective. They will be challenged to re-evaluate their lives and prioritise what really matters. I feel sure that some good can come from the crisis if we take responsibility for ourselves and how we relate to others. I am reminded of an apt quote form Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”. However, knowing what is best for you does not always lead to behaviour that is congruent with this knowledge (Alberts et al., 2011).  Continue to make the rights choices in relation to your thoughts, behaviours and interpersonal contact. This crisis will force many to stop and take stock. Akin to any experience out of our comfort zone it will be painful and difficult. Focus on the choices you have in the here and now. Tolerating uncertainty and staying focused in the present moment are not done lightly. It will demand great strength of character. Use this time to dig deep and connect with a higher level of consciousness within, where one can find the capacity to rise above the situation. I don’t doubt that we will overcome this virus and when we do we will appreciate life in a new light. Simple pleasures and the freedom that we inherited will be valued in a real way. That can only be a good thing. There are certain teachings that say there are really only two emotions - love and fear- all negative feelings below love are nothing but variations of fear, such as, fear of loss or fear of mortality. We have the capacity to let the fear of fear go, as well as fear itself, and move into the presence of love.
 
 

 
 
 

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