Is It Precaution Or It Is Paranoia?

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has shaken the very foundation of global societies and forever changed the way we behave as the general public. Over 400K people globally have lost their lives and millions are currently infected by the deadly virus. A variety of mental health COVID-19 surveys has revealed that people are becoming increasingly paranoid in terms of exercising excessive precautions that may a bit too much.

Many mental health COVID-19 surveys also revealed that the fear of contracting the deadly virus is altering the behaviour of people globally. They are now extremely concerned with the wellbeing of their family and loved ones. For that reason, many have shut their doors tight for outsiders and refused to make any contact in case they may be carrying the virus.

Mental health experts and psychiatrists are now conducting studies to determine how much we have crossed over the line of paranoia in our efforts to exercise proper precautions. But in the end, it comes down to how we as a society choose to behave.

There is a fine line between precaution and paranoia. One is highly recommended and necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19, whereas the second one is destructive can cause a severe imbalance in society. People have hoarded food, essential necessities, and commodities to ensure that they are not short on anything in case things take a turn from bad to worse. For that, we must establish a difference paranoia and precaution so people can understand the difference and behave accordingly.

Paranoia:
We are starting with paranoia because it is easier to lay the foundation of what constitutes Paranoia. If it is excessive, if it is creating a problem for yourself and others, and most importantly if it is difficult and bothersome to implement on regular basis, chances are you are being paranoid rather than exercising necessary precaution.

If you absolutely need to, then do go outside. You don’t need to wear coveralls, gas mask, goggles, and covering boots/gloves. You don’t have to put excessive sanitizer on your hand and face every minute or so. This can all be categorized as paranoia; you can simply identify it if it is more than necessary.

Precautions:
There is no denying that we must change the ways we interact and used to live. For that, World Health Organisation (WHO) and local authorities have given proper guidelines to follow that can help in stopping the spreading this virus. Maintaining proper personal and environmental hygiene is now compulsory. People who are suffering from cold, flu, fever, dry cough or similar symptoms must isolate themselves and avoid social contact on an immediate basis. Local health authorities must be informed and the person must be tested for COVID-19 on immediate basis.
Avoid shaking hands, wear a facial mask, wear latex gloves if you go outside, avoid touching your face or eyes, and don’t make contact with open surfaces like shelves, metal bars, doorknobs, etc. Most importantly, wash and sanitise hands regularly.

Be Reasonable:
You don’t have any need to lose your senses and become afraid. Just by following essential guidelines issued by local and international authorities, we can defeat this pandemic, but only collectively.