Читать книгу Counseling Practice During Phases of a Pandemic Virus - Mark A. Stebnicki - Страница 40

At Level 3, the person has good mental, behavioral, and psychosocial health. The individual has a rational and healthy respect for the seriousness, lethality, and consequences of a pandemic virus but does not live their life in fear of the virus. Thus, there is some minimization of the seriousness, lethality, and consequences of a pandemic virus. Individuals at Level 3 view good virus hygiene and adherence to public health guidelines as essential to the protection of themselves and others and get vaccinated. Level 3 persons may occasionally oppose wearing a mask, washing their hands, and keeping a social distance. Individuals at Level 3 may experience and react with irrational fear and anxiety; however, it is directed more toward their changing environment, which they do not understand or recognize because of a pandemic disaster. Individuals at Level 3 are more affected by trigger events (e.g., media reporting of positive COVID-19 cases, COVID-related illnesses and deaths, school and workplace closures) and form their pandemic ideology based on events that may or may not directly impact their lives. Clinically significant psychological/emotional symptoms and conditions are dealt with in a therapeutic manner but may meet with initial resistance that delays any therapeutic interventions. The individual exhibits stress-hardy behaviors but with a delayed response. It may take them longer to bounce back from adversity compared to individuals at Level 4. Individuals at Level 3 somewhat endorse public health principles, practices, guidelines, and government mandates associated with a pandemic disaster. They recognize their importance but do not direct their lives by such public health guidance. They view good virus hygiene and adherence to public health guidelines as nonessential to the protection of themselves and others. Thus, persons at Level 3 take slightly more virus hygiene risks than persons at Level 4. Individuals at Level 3 live life with good balance, adaptation, and adjustment in relation to their changing pandemic environment. The individual typically responds to the grief, loss, and extraordinary stressful and/or traumatic events associated with a pandemic virus by focusing their thoughts, feelings, and cognitions internally. They balance the reality of a pandemic disaster with other life responsibilities and make choices to move forward, which leaves unfinished business. The person’s overall mental and physical well-being is demonstrated by consistent attempts to achieve good wellness and resiliency, although not to the same degree as individuals functioning at Level 4. Persons at Level 3 find some meaning and relief regarding their life and others in their environment amid a pandemic disaster. Although adjustment and adaptation to the overall effects of a pandemic virus are not as seamless as in individuals at Level 4, Level 3 individuals recognize how to correct the path forward to overall health and well-being. The mental, behavioral, psychosocial, and medical/physical health of the individual at Level 3 is demonstrated by the following.