Thread by @TheHazelHayes, Here’s the thing. Years and years of fake news and sensationalist journalism [...]

Here’s the thing. Years and years of fake news and sensationalist journalism and people panicking over dumb shit on Twitter made me think everyone was overreacting about Coronavirus and that I just needed to be cautious and sensible when going out. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

Living in the UK, where nothing was being done about it, reinforced my belief that it wasn’t a big deal. But I’ve since remembered that the UK government are absolute idiots, so that argument doesn’t work anymore. I mean we’re talking about Boris fucking Johnson here.

Also, as someone with anxiety, I have to filter the news a little bit, and take it in small doses and with a large pinch of salt. So I don’t have a ton of news apps on my phone and wasn’t seeing the full extent of the crisis elsewhere. However, I was quietly keeping an eye on it.

What changed my mind was calling home and speaking to my mother who was self isolating and was SHOCKED that I’d just been to a film premiere. Once I saw the measures Ireland was taking, shit got real, because the Irish are a sound bunch altogether and we don’t fuck about.

Now, my coping mechanism in a crisis is to gather information. Handy! So, I started reading as much non sensationalist material on #COVIDー19 as I could. Including scientific studies and updates from people on the ground in countries already on lockdown, like this one from Italy. https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1238977743653687296

https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1238977743653687296

Everything I read pointed to the following:
1. #COVIDー19 is not “just a flu” - it’s more contagious, the death rate is 10-20 times higher and it can leave lasting damage
2. High risk people are at very high risk
3. It’s happening whether we like it or not https://www.sciencealert.com/the-new-coronavirus-isn-t-like-the-flu-but-they-have-one-big-thing-in-common

No, Coronavirus Isn't 'Just Like The Flu'. Here Are The Very Important Differences

And one big thing they have in common.

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-new-coronavirus-isn-t-like-the-flu-but-they-have-one-big-thing-in-common

The other thing I learned is that the virus itself isn’t the problem. The problem is everyone getting it at the same time and not being able to get the care we need because our hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to cope. But we can help avoid that. https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/

These simulations show how to flatten the coronavirus growth curve

The early trickle of new coronavirus infections has turned into a steady current. By creating simple simulations, we can see how to slow it down.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/

We need to practice social distancing. Here’s a good thread that explains it but basically it’s staying at home whenever possible and avoiding large gatherings of people and contact with individuals outside your family unit for a while. That’s all. It’s simple but it saves lives. https://twitter.com/drkiki/status/1237438835371343875

https://twitter.com/drkiki/status/1237438835371343875

One thing I was right about is that panicking does not help. It leads to people hoarding food and medical supplies and leaving vulnerable people in an even more vulnerable position. So chill the fuck out please. Get what you need for yourself and go home.

It’s a very confusing time. Some friends and family you speak to will think it’s all just scaremongering. Some will be panic buying toilet roll. If you’re feeling anxious or unsure, check out @MindCharity’s website for some guidance, and consider donating. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

This is also a very helpful thread.

Follow @YoungMindsUK on Twitter for more practical updates, advice and support.

https://twitter.com/youngmindsuk/status/1238412847186685952?s=21 https://twitter.com/YoungMindsUK/status/1238412847186685952

https://twitter.com/youngmindsuk/status/1238412847186685952?s=21

Here’s an article full of tips for staying physically and mentally well while self isolating.

https://happiful.com/coronavirus-ways-to-help

Some wonderful advice here, especially for people with anxiety and OCD, on how to manage the influx of information on #COVIDー19 in the news and on social media. Also how to cope with being home alone. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799

Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health

Advice on protecting your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799

I know a lot of us are worried we’re overreacting by self isolating, but I’d rather risk looking a bit silly and missing a few events than contracting and spreading a virus that can kill people. When you put it that way, the choice to remain home seems pretty easy and obvious.

A very easy to understand visual aid on why we all need to #StayHome

https://twitter.com/CMOIreland/status/1239554134279360517

https://twitter.com/CMOIreland/status/1239554134279360517

I’ll update this thread if needs be but I’ve said all I wanna say for now. Hopefully it helps you!

I’m gonna get off Twitter for a bit. I suggest you do the same and set designated times to check news & social media instead of scrolling all day.

Keep calm. Stay home. Be kind

I use the @calm app a lot for meditations, sleep stories, music and soundscapes and I follow their feed for regular reminders on how to stay calm and grounded. Finding this extra helpful at the moment so maybe follow them or try out the app yourself