Silos, Social Media and Safety Measures.

I think a lot about the psychology surrounding the seemingly bottomless denial of covid these days. One truly significant thing came to mind: if one IS NOT a smoker, why would one pay ANY attention to public health messaging around cigarettes? If it doesn’t apply to us or affect us (due to public health messaging and laws changing) we therefore don’t think much about it. This can also be applied to driving (seatbealts and drink dirving laws) - if you've not seen it, this incredible video from 1967 in a British pub. The attitudes are not unlike the pandemic minimising ones of today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_tqQYmgMQg&t=5s

Covid, on the other hand, affects us all whether we admit that or not. I think A LOT of people don’t want to admit that. It’s REALLY painful and hard to admit we are in the midst of a public health disaster, that we might die, or become disabled. Again, if one isn’t disabled, it’s VERY easy to never think about the disability community. Walking side by side with fear and uncertainty isn't something our brains are designed to engage with long-term. The saddest thing is, we'd not have to if everyone banded together to clean the air and wear masks in high risk settings. But, since we haven't, the other logical option for our overburdened brains is ignorance, sometimes by choice, often to alomost zero public health measures.

We also aren't designed to live completely isolated, online (this doesn't include wifi calls, video calls, social gaming etc. which are social and great!) while knowing EVERY single piece of news in the WHOLE world. We just can't manage that scale of news even if most of it is positive. This brings us to the question of silos and isolation the media keeps banging on about. When social commentators talk about the danger of living online in silos, I don’t think they’ve realised how much of a relief it’s been for the disability community to come together and share stories of isolation LONG before covid reared its viral head. Anyone who lives in the reality of this pandemic is in a sort of silo not because we are trying to avoid society, but because society is simply not safe enough right now. Don’t ask people in a flood to wade in the waters.

Another thing that needs addressing is how to protect yourself on social media: AKA find like minded people and make new friends! Here are a few ideas:

1. Block and delete are your best friends.

2. Do not engage in conversations that make you feel angry, uncomfortable or depressed.

3. Limit time on social media that is distressing i.e. 2019 levels of socialising with not precautions.

4. As there is precious little information about the pandemic in MSM, you may need to read trusted people’s accounts for accurate information. Again, try to limit your time or break it up with things that feed your brain comfort in between news (see below about positive accounts).

5. Keep a log of what you use social media for - if it’s not making you feel good, listen to your brain and body. Follow bird photography accounts and look at livestremas of otters! You'll thank me.

6. Think about new ways to build community. If you like someone’s point of view, check their past posts and if safe, give them a follow.

7. Don’t try to convince people who are stuck in 2019 to make the leap. Conserve your energy.

8. It is NOT your job to single handedly fight the governments and media. Join an advocacy group, sign petitions, email your MP.

9. Monitor your stress levels. Who are you interacting with/what app are you on when stress levels are highest and lowest?

10. If it works for you, investigate a covid safe group that will hopefully have safe meet ups either online or in person.

Lastly, there is NO SUCH THING as ‘covid anxiety.’ The organisations and governments driving the denial are unfathomably wealthy and powerful but we are also powerful in our advocacy. If you do one thing, keep wearing your masks. You have no idea how much of a difference it makes for people, people you will NEVER meet all over the world. By being visibly supportive and safe, you make others feel more confident in their ability to do the same. A special mention to all the children and teenagers who wear masks at school. You are exceptionally intelligent and courageous.

Thank you from the bottom of my soul for keeping us all safer.