I am happy to report that I am feeling much better. I appreciate the kind words that many of you sent to me regarding my COVID-fear post. I could see from your responses that I am not alone in feeling the uncertainty of this time and I felt reassured. So, thank you for that.

I had one friend write to me via Facebook and share his experience working in a news department. He stated, “This is such a scary time, but I’m so glad you’re feeling better. Keep sharing your story. Remind your friends to be physically distant. Keep wearing a mask every time you leave your home. I work in the news department where I see daily death and infection rates. I hear stories of people who get it and have NO symptoms. I also see stories of people who recover–yet are sickly MONTHS after with no sign of relief–they’re called the Long Haulers. Despite the constant reminders, I almost picked up food delivery without my mask! I wear a mask all day at work–and to and from work in my car as well. Thank you so much for sharing your story–we need constant reminders that this pandemic is still out there!” I appreciated his encouragement for me (and all of us) to keep talking about the pandemic so we don’t fall into complacency, which, ironically, is fairly easy to do.

Many people shared with me that they have similar fears related to contracting COVID. One person wrote, “Life is so scary and full of anxiety for everyone with half a brain right now. I have the same fears every time I leave my apartment. I am glad you are feeling better.” Another wrote, “These are my worries with every allergic sniffle, sneeze or fire-induced cough.”

I honestly think it helps to hear that other people are feeling the same anxiety that I am. Not in the “misery loves company” sort of way , but more in the “I’m not crazy” sort of way. it’s easy to sit quietly and conclude that neurosis is running rampant even when the data is showing that we all need to be cautious and aware that many more people are forecasted to die before this pandemic is over.

So, let’s help flatten the curve doing what every public health official and doctor recommends: mask up, wash those hands, and keep a nice 6 feet between you and those other folks you may encounter.

I’ll check in again tomorrow.