Mental Models: Psychological Timeline of Pandemic: #55

Jan. - Feb., 2020 was a period of ‘psychological inoculation’, in that we have heard this before, viruses come and go, like the flu and N1H1, and we will be okay. March - April, 2020 was a period of acknowledgment, that this virus is real and dangerous. Followed by the rapid onset of fear, resulting in a stress response. Fear is usually a quick moment that passes. That has not happened with the pandemic. Stress usually results in action, and there was some actions by individuals and governments that were surprisingly bipartisan and encouraged safety measures. Although these government responses across the world were confusing at times, which increased stress from more unknowns. Continued stress response can be physically and emotionally damaging. Read more on stress in #1 bestselling stress book “Why Zebras Don’t get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky (link below). For many people there are continued unknowns associated with job loss and financial and or food insecurity which may continuing the fear and stress response long past the current time period. May - June, 2020 is a period of psychological relief from virus concerns in that there is a period of predictability. Good health practices and ‘physical distancing’ are being setup and implemented. Links: “Why Zebras Don’t get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698 Guide to stress and stress related diseases.