I decided to do my part to help people whose anxiety has worsened during this difficult period. Read about one of the reasons below. How not to go crazy during an epidemic and self-isolation? The question itself contains the answer. I'll explain now. ⠀⠀We ask ourselves this question when we are worried. It is unlikely that you will think about such things in peace. ⠀ How are we going crazy now? In the current environment, concerns are mainly divided into: ⠀⠀1. Health anxiety⠀2. Anxiety related to the socio-economic consequences of the self-isolation regime ⠀⠀And it’s not so important what exactly you’re worried about. More precisely, this, of course, matters, but only indirectly affects anxiety. Because it is caused by our beliefs, and not by the events themselves, in this case by health or socio-economic situation.⠀It is no secret that such situations in reality or in our forecasts are associated with tension. Not only emotional, but also physical and mental, the tension of creative abilities. After all, if we lose a source of income, then we need to look for it again. If we get sick, we feel bad, and again we lose income due to sick leave and quarantine. But it also happens that we are simply faced with the fact that we will have to squeeze in spending on already familiar things. Our quality of life, not life itself, is at risk. This can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable. And during this period, our stress tolerance comes into play. In the language of REBT, these are beliefs associated with low and high tolerance for discomfort. So, if we expect a deterioration in living conditions and perceive it as - I can’t stand it - I can’t handle it - it’s too difficult - it should be easier - I’ll get by In fact, we already begin to feel anxiety and discomfort in advance and, as it were, “go crazy” in attempts to avoid the inevitable. We set ourselves up for failure in advance. What's the point of this? How does this affect the psyche and stress resistance? The cerebral cortex, which is responsible for these thoughts, sends such signals to the deeper structures of the brain responsible for emotions - the limbic system, or more precisely, the amygdala. And this, in turn, triggers the body’s reaction to danger. And we literally start to “go crazy.” Our brain is Mr. Literality. He perceives these signals in this way: 1. Continued discomfort from the predicted events will kill me or drive me crazy (I will stop being myself).2. I won’t be able to experience happiness, I’ll lose this ability forever. A frightening prospect, isn’t it? How not to go crazy? In order to overcome such thinking, follow several steps: 1. Remember the hardest thing you have ever experienced. Did it literally kill you? What about portable? Have you ever been happy after that? See, your experience proves that you have the ability to cope with difficulties.2. Imagine that 2 years have passed. How are you likely to feel about this?3. Acknowledge the discomfort. Accept the fact that difficulties in life happen and that this also affects you and most likely it will be difficult for you to overcome it. But does this mean it will be absolutely unbearable? Especially considering the facts from the first paragraph.4. Think about the benefits of these thoughts. Do they help you solve problems, overcome difficulties, or at least relax and remain calm?5. Take advantage of cultural achievements. After all, people have always worried about the same things and found ways to cope with them. Read the literature of the ancient Stoics - Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca. Or modern interpretations, for example, “How to Be a Stoic” by Massimo Pilliucci.5. Formulate alternative thoughts and beliefs based on the previous points. They contain the following ideas: - if the discomfort continues, I will struggle, it will be difficult for me, but I will not die or go crazy. This is a fact! - I will not lose the ability to be happy, although for some time it will be more difficult for me to be happy. - It makes sense to endure discomfort and frustration. - troubles tend to end, especially if you support.