One of the things I do is to help clients understand their environment so they can act accordingly. I would like to take this moment to assist you likewise.
I recently sent out an email regarding Xenophobia, and what that means today. Some did not understand the relativity. I will explain it more now.
Xenophobia - Fear of the Unknown
Xenophobia is derived from the Greek word 'Xenos' meaning “foreigner or stranger” and Phobos which means 'morbid fear'. Xenophobia is the irrational sensation of fear experienced about a person or a group of persons as well as situations that are perceived as strange or foreign
In other words, you are seeing everyone around you to be a "stranger", and you are immediately suspicious of them. This type of irrational behavior creates barriers which break down normal communications between people.
I will explain further...
Usually Xenophobia would be focused towards people of other race, color, religion, and so on, Recently, another application of Xenophobia has emerged - the fear of everyone around you. In political terms it can be seen simply as "divide and conquer", as your support from others is stripped away from you.
As you look at others around you with suspicion, they are mirroring, or looking back at you with suspicion. You can see the fear in their eyes.
Are those people your enemy? No. But, they may be secretly carrying Corona virus. You have a right t be concerned, because you have not been given clear information about the virus. thus the fear of NOT KNOWING.
Dealing with fear...
It is much easier to deal with fears when you can label the fear, like things you can touch, see, or feel. You can label it. If you were to label this newfound fear, you can call it :
Coronavirusphobia or Covidphobia
It is the fear of something or someone that may cause you illness by being in the vicinity - a Social Disease
By assigning this fear a label, you can begin to take control of your fear of the unknown.
The Corona virus has already destroyed much more than the lives it will take. Think about what you can do to reign in your fears.
Stay healthy!