Читать книгу Counseling Practice During Phases of a Pandemic Virus - Mark A. Stebnicki - Страница 12

The number of extraordinary stressful and traumatic events has grown worldwide since 2001. Anyone who watched the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, by pro-Trump extremists knows that this September 11th-style attack on the homeland has threatened psychological safety and security in an already tense COVID environment. Fears and anxieties over the war on terrorism; catastrophic natural disasters prompted by climate change; mass shootings in schools and entertainment venues; and the spewing of toxic chemicals by large industries that poison our air, water, and food supply have become integrated with fears and anxieties associated with a pandemic virus that has threatened humankind. Fueling our fears and anxieties are videotaped images that replay on 24-hour news stations and a daily dose of other frightening stories in print and electronic media. Thus, we are surrounded by a daily digest of trauma unfolding in real time. The only breaking news stories missing from this list are a zombie apocalypse or alien invasion. For some, planet Earth does not appear to be a safe place to live.

Today we are singing a new anthem because of the paradigm shift in disaster mental health response. There is a world full of sickness introduced by a highly infectious viral contagion. We are required to reconceptualize how to heal the mind, body, and spirit of individuals, groups, communities, and cultures affected by a new natural disaster: novel coronaviruses. The new normal in mental health is that anxiety and fear of the next pandemic viruses may have become integrated into our psychological and emotional well-being. For some, the idea of a deadly germ in our environment has sparked neurotic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that have become chronic and persistent patterns leading to mental health issues. Thus, the anxiety and fear we feel around a continually present viral contagion has been integrated into our unconsciousness. Overall, the emerging COVID Generation requires an intensive research agenda to identify, recognize, and explore the unique mental and behavioral health characteristics of individuals, groups, communities, and cultures that have difficulty living optimally. It is paramount that mental health professionals facilitate new meaning and understanding with COVID survivors. Cultivating a perception and attitude of healing the mind, body, and spirit will teach us how we can thrive rather than just survive pandemic disasters.