The Importance of Fighting Fear - Coronavirus Pandemic

This pandemic has an impact on the financial market, the global economy, and the public health system. And the impact has been so great, it has altered people's routines, at levels that are worrisome.

Information that can help stop the pandemic is needed to prevent people from panicking. Cancellation of events, suspension of travel, and even interruption of classes at schools and universities are measures to stop the virus. Hospital prevention and preparation guidelines, and patient health units, are part of the protocol of an epidemic situation. None of this should represent the atmosphere of despair that is rising rapidly, and uncontrollably around the world.

Amid the bombarding of data on the spread and positive evidence of coronavirus and the number of deaths worldwide, the population is not receiving adequate attention: for fear management. Coronavirus is a disease with a low mortality rate. It doesn't differ much from the flu. But the sense of insecurity can have serious emotional consequences, in large population groups.

To deal with coronavirus, the medical recommendations are simple: wash your hands, do not sneeze or cough around people, do not greet with a hug or a kiss, avoid going to crowded places, amongst other preventive measures. But how to prevent the wave of emotional imbalance that is caused by a pandemic? Everyone talks about coronavirus, but few address the growing number of people with insomnia, anxiety attacks and paranoid behaviours due to COVID-19.

For this reason, mental health professionals and organisations play a key role at the moment: containing the epidemic of fear. Changes in stress levels have an impact on the whole body. Lack of emotional control, causes discharges of hormones that alter the functioning of the body and can alter the immune system. In the midst of a pandemic, mind care is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the body's defence mechanisms.

Manos sin Fronteras, an international organisation dedicated to caring for the integral well-being of people, proposes a global movement to stop the spread of fear. In several countries, Manos sin Fronteras' volunteers are expanding the service and disseminating the practice of meditation and the integrative practice of Neural Stimulation, for mental health and the strengthening of the immune system. We suggest that we join with movements, organisations and professionals to act towards the same goal.

The challenge is not easy, but it is possible. With actions aimed at promoting emotional balance, tackling the coronavirus is easier. And that applies to any other epidemic in the future. With the 5-minute campaign, Eu Medito, Manos sin Fronteras has already reached 80 countries as well as almost 18 million minutes meditated with the free app 'Eu Medito'. This is time spent on mental health, quality of life and the balance needed to live well and overcome critical moments like today. Fear must be fought!

Lilian Miranda: Entrepreneur and Ambassador of Manos sin Fronteras for World Peace.