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...................................................................................... Perspectives of COVID-19 From a Pediatric Psychologist B Y D AN M ARULLO , P H .D. W ITH COVID-19 BEING DECLARED A PANDEMIC , WE ARE NOW TASKED TO CHANGE OUR PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR . I T IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT MANY WILL EXPERIENCE FEAR , ANXIETY AND ANGER IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS . T HIS IS NORMAL AND CERTAINLY A TYPICAL REACTION TO A CRISIS . H OWEVER , WHETHER WE RESPOND WITH GRACE OR WITH TERROR IS IN OUR INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE CONTROL . t is normal to be afraid. It is OK to ac- knowledge that fear and to take steps to cope with anxiety. Please consider the fol- lowing: • Fear of the unknown is normal. We are each subject to feeling a host of emotions such as anxiety, worry, irritability and sadness. We can also experience poor sleep or appetite, trouble with con- centration, a tendency to withdraw from other people and per- haps even feeling hopeless. These can be normal reactions to the situation and it helps to recognize this in ourselves and in others. For example, recognizing that your spouse or child is uncharacteristically moody or snappish may mean that they are feeling overwhelmed and need support. Certainly, anyone feeling suicidal may need immediate attention. • Seek reliable information. There is much that we still do not know about COVID-19 and that alone increases fear and anxiety. Gaining reliable information is key to addressing this uncertainty. Reputable websites for updates and information include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Insti- tutes of Health and the World Health Organization. Websites for good psychological information related to COVID-19 include the American Psychological Association and the American Psy- chiatric Association. • Practice self-care. Because we are all susceptible to emotional distress, it becomes more important to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. This may be complicated by social distancing given that social activities are commonly used by people to cope. We may not be able to attend religious services, go to work or school, the gym, shopping and so on. However, we can adapt and remain connected. Many churches are hosting online services, you can exercise at home using YouTube classes, and so on. A few things to keep in mind: Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter JUNE/JULY 2020 35 1 6 0 0 7 TH AV ENU E SOU TH B I RM I NGHAM , A L 3 5 2 3 3 ( 2 0 5 ) 6 3 8 - 9 1 0 0 C h i l d r e n s A L . o r g W E D O W H A T W E D O We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. B E C A U S E C H I L D R E N H A V E D R E A M S . I