Head
It is easy to be distracted by and super-responsive to the emotions swirling around you when you are infected. Old habits that you thought were long retired come back to haunt you. The behavioral economists talk about this as “fast thinking” and the engagement of “heuristics” (short-cuts) when making decisions. This fast thinking might lead you back to old medical solutions (such as herbal supplements or chicken soup or a quick dose of fresh air or a walk in the park) that are not relevant to (or could actually interfere with your recovery). You need to engage in some “slow thinking” — perhaps with some support from other members of your family, your friends or an experienced health-oriented counsellor or coach such as are found among those who members of our Global Psychology Task Force.
This slow thinking involves reviewing and critically assessing the advice offered by authorities in the field rather than your health-wise cousin or suggestions offered via twister or Facebook. You probably don’t want to go to the hospital (which is likely to be over-whelmed) unless your symptoms are quite sever. If you are going to contact your primary care physicians then you should come prepared with a specific set of questions (for your primary care doctor is also likely to be overwhelmed).
We also suggest that you recognize the major contradictions that you are now facing as someone infected with the virus. On the one hand, you know you should remain isolated, yet you long for the support of other people. You want to know all you can about this disease, but are fearful about what you might find out. It might even be the case that you think you have been infected with the virus, but are not sure and don’t want to alarm anyone.
This is what’s called a condition of polarity. The tendency is to flip back and forth between the two perspectives or courses of action (seeing the downside of each and therefore leaping over the other side). We suggest that you stay with each perspective or courses of action for a few minutes. Take notes about what is involved with this polarity — what are the benefits (not just the drawbacks). Then, thoughtfully and carefully move to the other polarity and map it out as well. This is one specific form of slow thinking — and once again you might want to get assistance from a family member, friends or one of our task force members.