March 16, 2020 Fear is scary. Each person reacts differently. Some go into denial (it’s a hoax!). Some people panic (let’s go hoard the toilet paper!). In this changing world, anxiety is normal. It is not much fun. I remember having a blast when I was first diagnosed with melanoma many years ago. Your brain will respond to everything, because it is constantly in fight-or flight mode. You will be exhausted. You’ll be exhausted. Renee Montagne, NPR’s Renee Montagne, interviewed Maggie Mulqueen, a psychologist about how to deal with COVID-19 anxiety. Mulqueen shared some great tips that are well worth sharing. An anxiety-provoking factor is the loss of control (i.e. The struggling financial markets and rising COVID-19 numbers are two of the main causes of anxiety. Mulqueen believes we should do something. Why? Purpose. A sense of purpose is one of the most important qualities we have. I also suggested something to someone else that I saw today. I said that I wished when people went to the store and started hoarding toilet paper and other items, they would also buy aluminum pans so they could cook for others and deliver them to their homes. You will feel great and you will be happier. These are the questions she recommends to her clients: How can I be prepared? How can you remain, you know, aware of the latest news, but not become paralyzed by it? My approach is to unplug from social media and news during interviews. This is a healthy strategy. It is important to take a moment to relax. It is also important to have a purpose. You’ll likely be at home more so make sure you have structure in your day (8 tips to work from home via NPR). Self-medicating is a dangerous habit. Be present and know that it will pass. Find reliable sources of information. Mississippi Today will do everything we can to help you find the right information. Before I get to the news stories, let me give a shout-out to all those who are still trying to keep it going. Our truck drivers, healthcare workers, and grocery store shelf stockers are all doing amazing work. We are changing the definition of what it means to be a hero. We are grateful. NEWS STORIES – Here’s a great national COVID-19 overview video via NBC’s Today Show. The CDC made a shocking recommendation late yesterday, recommending that all gatherings exceeding 50 people be cancelled for eight weeks. Others have also closed bars, gyms, and restaurants in their states. What will happen? Nike, Disney, and other retailers are closing down stores. Chick-fil A has closed its restaurants (but there’s always the drive-thru). As of this typing there are currently 10 cases in Mississippi. Two of the cases are JSU students returning from spring break. Mississippi Blood Services cancelled many blood drives, creating a shortage of blood. For more information about how to donate, click here The governing body for Mississippi’s public high school sports has stopped all competition and practice until March 29. Here is their statement. All interscholastic MHSAA sports and fine-arts activities competitions and practices are suspended immediately and will remain in effect until March 16. This applies regardless of whether a school has been closed or opened during the timeline. Have questions about COVID-19? You can reach the Mississippi Department of Health hotline at 877-978-653 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click this link for Mississippi Today’s coverage of Coronavirus. Email: mramsey@mississippitoday.com On Twitter: MarshallRamsey On Facebook: Marshall Ramsey Fanpagepalooza. On Instagram: MarshallRamsey