Читать книгу Counseling Practice During Phases of a Pandemic Virus - Mark A. Stebnicki - Страница 76

At Level 1, the person has good mental, behavioral, and psychosocial health. The individual questions the seriousness, lethality, and consequences of a pandemic virus. They are generally compliant with virus hygiene protocols, although there is some minimization of the seriousness, lethality, and consequences of a pandemic virus. They are sometimes noncompliant with virus hygiene protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a safe social distance. They are also somewhat confused about the efficacy of taking vaccines but are more flexible with vaccine compliant compared to Level 2 persons. Individuals at Level 1 may experience and react with slight irrational fear and anxiety; however, this is directed more toward their changing environment, which they do not understand, recognize, or feel they have control over because of a pandemic disaster. Individuals at Level 1 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 not always dealt with in a therapeutic manner, but these individuals may consider interventions if the symptoms increase; if the symptoms become persistent stressors; and if treatment is prompted by home, school, or work environment. The individual exhibits stress-hardy behaviors on an occasional basis. They may be better able to bounce back from adversity compared to individuals with good resiliency. Individuals at Level 1 at times endorse public health principles, practices, guidelines, and government mandates but maintain their own philosophy regarding public health standards of practice. They generally view good virus hygiene as essential to protect themselves and others, but at times they justify taking more virus hygiene risks than persons in total conformity with public health practices. Individuals at Level 1 struggle slightly with balance, adaptation, and adjustment in relation to their changing pandemic environment. The individual conforms to the socially acceptable standard of grief and loss. However, it is challenging to deal with the extraordinary stressful and/or traumatic events associated with a pandemic virus because these people are internally focused on their own lives and avoid thoughts, feelings, and cognitions associated with a disaster. Persons at Level 1 do an adequate job balancing the reality of a pandemic disaster with other life responsibilities. They have the ability to move forward but are challenged more than others with their medical, physical, and mental health conditions. Persons at Level 1 may have mild academic, job, career, relational, financial, and other hardships that may be beyond their control. Their overall mental and physical well-being is mildly compromised by their ability to cope with adversity. Persons at Level 1 find some meaning in their existence but find it challenging to gain consistent relief during phases of a pandemic disaster. Adjustment and adaptation to the overall effects of a pandemic virus are slightly challenging for persons at Level 1 because they sometimes struggle with a path forward to achieve overall health and well-being. The mental, behavioral, psychosocial, and medical/physical health of the individual at Level 1 is demonstrated by the following.