Seemingly out of nowhere, we find ourselves in uncertain, unknown and worrying times. An invisible, and unsettling threat has arisen in the form of COVID-19. This has prompted fear, worry and anxiety in many of us, and caused chaos, confusion and disruption to our lives, the communities, cities and world in which we live. There has been an increased sense of needing to survive, and ensuring we have enough provisions. This has been indicated by the empty shelves in supermarkets and the increased demand for ordinary household items as mundane as toilet paper or baked beans.

It is my intention in this article to consider the psychological impact this pandemic has had and may continue to have on us. I will explore how to manage the anxiety and panic generated during this crisis, offer some tips for managing of self-isolation and think about the role that the internet and online communities and communication plays during this time.

Managing anxiety and panic

Much like the virus itself, the escalation of anxiety and panic has spread quickly. There are near constant developments, figures, predictions and often alarmist responses, which further escalate our unease. So, in these uncertain and unknown times, how can we manage anxiety and panic and try to hold onto a semblance of normalcy.

Remain in reality

• Read official statistics, familiarise yourself with the risk to you personally
• This is not the apocalypse! Whilst it may feel that way, preparing for the end of the world and stocking up and panic buying may mean others lose out on what they need. There will be more toilet paper!
• Find internal stability and and make conscious attempts at clear thinking
• Reassure yourself that surviving COVID-19 is highly likely for most of us