Fear of the unknown (Anxiety, Uncertainty, Grief): Finding a way through

This topic was not planned, but as with most our topics, they are sometimes influenced by things going on around us. At this moment in time what is dominating our lives worldwide is the Coronavirus pandemic…… Everything has changed, first and foremost our “freedom” “social interaction” “social gatherings”…

Please see Fear of the Unknown (Anxiety, Uncertainty, Grief: Finding a way through which covers:

1. Introduction/Our Story
2. Quotes/Illustrations
3. Fear and the unknown
4. Anxiety and fear of the unknown
5. Useful links
6. Our Final Thoughts

© Copyright 2019 Grief Probate Journey Blog *PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IS SOURCED FROM UK and AMERICAN WEBSITES* It is also based on our own experience. *We are not experts in this field, we are speaking purely on our own experience with information sought from the internet to give further examples. *

1. Introduction/Our Story

This topic was not planned, but as with most our topics, they are sometimes influenced by things going on around us.

At this moment in time what is dominating our lives worldwide is the Coronavirus pandemic (We have a topic on Coronavirus: Self-Care, Home-Schooling and more).

Everything has changed, first and foremost our “freedom” “social interaction” “social gatherings”

• It literally feels like this sudden change in life came out of nowhere.
• Life as we once knew it disappeared in more ways than one
• We are no longer free to come and go places as we feel
• It is devasting the lives of many
• Plans and life as we knew it have been compromised in ways we have never known or lived through before.
• Normal routines are out the window
• Weddings, christenings, all social gatherings no longer permitted
• Everything is quite unbalanced
• There is major uncertainty.
• People are sadly losing their life daily around the world

One of the most unimaginable situations is that when loved ones are taken into hospital there are now also new restrictions on:

• Being accompanied by family
• Having visitors

Something else that is even more unimaginable because of the staggering rising numbers of fatalities to this disease, arranging a funeral is highly compromised:

• Only immediate family are allowed to attend (only if they are not displaying symptoms of the virus)
• Social distancing still has to be in place
• A gathering after the funeral is no longer permitted to take place

At a time of loss, as a natural instinct, we as humans like to comfort each other by physically spending time with someone who is grieving to make sure they are okay. None of this can happen anymore at this present moment. That is a heart wrenching, heartbreaking thought. We can only imagine that attending or arranging a funeral during this time must be very daunting, overwhelming, devastating. These are a few ways you would normally feel pre-Coronavirus pandemic, however, with this new unknown way of doing things, we (my sister and I) can only imagine it brings an added extension of anxiousness, pressure stress (amongst many other feelings and emotions). Although we thankfully have technology that allows video calls (etc) and connection to others in a different format, which indeed is far way better than nothing at all, it still cannot replace physically being in someone’s presence.

My sister and I really feel for all the families that have lost loved ones during this time. It’s unimaginable what it must be like for them knowing that they cannot be around their family during such trying times.

“The unknown can be a daunting, overwhelming and scary thing. These unknowns can happen if there are no guidelines, clarity, structure, clear instructions. Or for the sole fact of being faced with an imense life-changing experience which was not imagined, envisaged or had time to prepare for.

At the moment worldwide people are living moment to moment day by day, adjusting to our “new world”

Anxiety:

The pandemic is daily news, it is on all platforms of the media. Yes, we do need to keep in the know of the latest matters, but at the same time, this can consume you causing anxiety and other negative impacts. Panic buying being one of the main things. When things first started, toilet roll and hand sanitiser were a few of the items constantly completely sold out, this then moved on to eggs, pasta, long life milk, tinned mackerel. Now, Ginger and Garlic and hand soap are things that are commonly sold out. It can also have an effect mentally as this is alot to take on and process.

Nobody knows how long this situation is going to continue. As things can feel so uncertain, we should try our best to take note of how we are feeling. As a standard practice it is essential that we take care of our health and wellbeing, it is even more important now with the current situation the world is facing.

Some ways in which this might be possible would be:

• Gain as much knowledge about the situation (to the point that is manageable for you to withstand and go with that).
• Try our best to manage and structure our routines around this new situation
• Maintain connections with family/friends via the oldschool way of the telephone, or via social media.

We are all different:

• We process things differently
• Understand things differently
• React to things differently

As individuals, we should try to take in as much as we can to get an understanding we are comfortable with in order to proceed with our daily routines with this new way of living.

With all this being said, we would like to introduce this weeks topic. Please see Fear of the unknown (Anxiety, Uncertainty, Grief): Finding a way through

^Top

2. Quotes/Illustrations

^Top

3. Fear and the unknown

3.1 What causes fear?

“Fear is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioral changes, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events”.

3.2 What causes fear of the unknown?

Fear of the unknown or irrational fear is caused by negative thinking (worry) which arises from anxiety accompanied with a subjective sense of apprehension or dread.

3.3 How do you face unknown?

Here are 10 ways to face the unknown:

1. “Accept what is”.
2. “Take risks”.
3. “Be your own best friend”.
4. “Every day is a new beginning”.
5. “Keep falling as long as you keep picking yourself up”.
6. “Nothing lasts forever”.
7. “Think with your heart instead of your head”.
8. “Meditate”. (More items…) (26 Dec 2016)

3.4 How do I overcome my fear of the unknown?

How to Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown

1. “Find the Cause of Your Fear. Our fear of the unknown is part of our DNA and is an essential part of our survival”.
2. “Question Your Fear”.
3. “Accept Failure as an Option”.
4. “Ride the Wave of Fear”.
5. “Embrace Change”.
6. “Practice Mindfulness – the Key to Quieting Your Mind”. (26 Jun 2019).

3.5 How do you be okay with the unknown?

But these simple steps can help you better face life’s uncertainties.

1. “Be kind to yourself”.
2. “Reflect on past successes”.
3. “Develop new skills”.
4. “Limit exposure to news”.
5. “Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control”.
6. “Take your own advice”.
7. “Engage in self-care”.
8. “Seek support from those you trust”. (More items…)

3.6 How do you accept fear?

Just try taking my 4 step process to tap it the power of fear any time you want to:

1. “Face it. Just say hello and sit with fear instead of pushing it away or resisting it”.
2. “Embrace It. Feel the fear and let is course through you”.
3. “Accept It”.
4. Rejoice. (30 Apr 2011)

3.7 Why is fear an important emotion?

“Fear arises with the threat of harm, either physical, emotional, or psychological, real or imagined. While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, fear actually serves an important role in keeping us safe as it mobilizes us to cope with potential danger”.

3.8 Is it normal to fear death after someone dies?

“Thanatophobia is commonly referred to as the fear of death. More specifically, it can be a fear of death or a fear of the dying process. It’s natural for someone to worry about their own health as they age. It’s also common for someone to worry about their friends and family after they’re gone”. (28 Aug 2019).

3.9 How do you overcome the fear of death of a loved one?

How can I stop worrying about losing a loved one?

1. “Make a list of all your concerns”.
2. “Identify what you’ve already lost”.
3. “Practise mindfulness”.
4. “Learn about death and dying”.
5. “Talk about your fear with supportive others”.

^Top

4. Anxiety and fear of the unknown

4.1 How do I control my fear and anxiety?

Tips to Work Through Your Fear and Live Your Life

1. “Allow yourself to sit with your fear for 2-3 minutes at a time. Breathe with it and say, “It’s okay”.
2. “Write down the things you are grateful for”.
3. “Remind yourself that your anxiety is a storehouse of wisdom”. 
4. “Exercise”.
5. “Use humor to deflate your worst fears”. (12 Sep 2019)

4.1 Why does uncertainty cause anxiety?

Uncertainty as an allergy

“Being intolerant of uncertainty is a lot like having an allergy. … But being very intolerant of uncertainty can cause problems, since it leads to a lot of time-consuming and tiring behaviours, causes stress and anxiety, and is the major fuel for worry”.

4.2 What helps severe anxiety?

Natural remedies for anxiety and stress

1. “Exercise. Share on Pinterest Exercise may help to treat anxiety”.
2. “Meditation. Meditation can help to slow racing thoughts, making it easier to manage stress and anxiety”. 
3. “Relaxation exercises”.
4. “Writing”.
5. “Time management strategies”.
6. “Aromatherapy”.
7. “Cannabidiol oil”.
8. “Herbal teas”. (More items…)

4.3 Coronavirus: ‘It’s just Anxiety, Anxiety, Anxiety’ – BBC News

“The coronavirus crisis is having a huge impact on young people with existing mental health conditions, a survey has found. The loss of routine, school closures and exam cancellations are all factors, as well as health concerns.”.

^Top

5. Useful links:

5.1 Coronvarius and Anxiety:

• NHS Every Mind Matters | Advice For Coronavirus Anxiety
• #Coronanxiety support and resources – Anxiety UK
• How do I cope with my Coronavirus anxiety? – The Telegraph
• Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress and Fear
• Coronavirus and your Wellbeing |Mind, the Mental Health
• Stress and Coping – Centers for Disease Control
• Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus | Mental Health Foundation
• 10 Ways to Ease Your Coronavirus Anxiety – The New York Times
• Coronavirus Anxiety: Helping Patients and Families Manage Fears
• Anxious about Coronavirus – tips for coping | Age UK

5.2 Coronavirus and Uncertainty:

• Coping with the uncertainty of Coronavirus – Autistica
• Global Uncertainty Related to Coronavirus at Record High
• How to Cope with Uncertainty |Psychology Today UK
• Coronavirus and The Fear of the Unknown
• Fear about the Coronavirus is normal – but don’t let it control you
• Coronavirus: How to protect your Mental Health – BBC News
• Keeping up Kids’ Mental Health during Coronavirus | National Geographic

5.3 Coronavirus and Grief:

• Coronavirus: Dealing with Bereavement and Grief |Cruse Bereavement Care
• Coronavirus: Grief and Trauma | Cruse Bereavement Care
• Coronavirus: How to grieve a loved one when you can’t say goodbye | BBC News
• How to cope with grief during the Coronavirus Lockdown – Metro
• Grief and Fear after a COVID-19 death: Managing a double trauma
• What you need to know about Coronavirus and Grief
• Arranging a Funeral – Coronavirus advice | Age UK
• Co-op Funeralcare updates on Coronavirus

5.4 Coronavirus: Children and young people:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information for children, young people and families |GOSH NHS UK
• Guidance for Parents and Carers on supporting Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak – GOV.UK
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance on vulnerable children and young people – GOV.UK
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information for children, young people and families – Bradford Hospitals NHS
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – NHSGGC

5.4 Coronavirus: Hospital information, visiting, accompanying people:

• Visiting someone in hospital – NHS
• Parents are allowed to visit sick children in hospital during Coronavirus outbreak
• Coronavirus: Hospitals across Southern England impose visitor restrictions – BBC News
• UK Hospitals tightening restrictions on visits even to dying patients

^Top

6. Our Final thoughts:

The main reason this topic came about is because, this is how we were feeling. In a state of unknown. Because of that the writing started and we found there is the information out there about these feelings and coronavirus. This is why we wanted to share it.

We (my sister and I) feel as indivuiduals all we can do is our very best to get through this, whilst trying to maintain our health and wellbing. As things are quite uncertain, even unpredictable, maybe one of the best things to do is try to get to a level of understanding that works for you, hopefully this can give you some assurance, positivity and direction to carry on and move forward.

We hope this topic might have been of some use, and we wish you a blessed day, week, and weekend.

^Top