[ForeverLonelyGirl]

I'm trying really hard to not panic over this, however, as with any current news, it is really getting blown up in the media. Hysteria may or may not be warranted but as an anxiety prone person when I check my facebook feed several times a day and as I watch news stories on television, it is in my face! Being basically home bound most of the time, this is hard to avoid.

Also being a former critical care nurse in a hospital, I am all too aware of how hospitals react in such instances. What has happened at the Texas hospital from the time the Ebola patient first arrived at their emergency room and was sent back out into the world and to whatever breach caused the nurses to contract the disease is just inexcusable. Then the nurse who traveled with a fever and possibly exposed a hundred or more people to ebola via the plane and her family was so totally irresponsible, it has me furious. I wonder what she was thinking and cannot believe how this is progressing. I know that the news coverage and predictions are increasing my anxiety ten fold.

My desire to keep up with the world and current events may not be in my best interest. Whenever other big events have happened, I was the same way. Just checking my email can be a source of a news story. If anything is happening, it is just like I said, 'in my face' 24/7. I don't want to shut it all down. I just want to not become so reactive and full of anxiety about it. I don't know that I can do anything to help in any way or I would.

What helps me most is researching. Finding out as much as I can and then forming reality based opinions. Making rational extrapolations. The fact that so few people in west Africa who are exposed to Ebola become infected with the virus should be a comfort. Hundreds of African and international health care workers are involved in treating Ebola virus patients in Africa under primitive conditions yet they don't seem to be dropping like flies due to exposure to these infected patients. Closer to home... the fact that three cases in a nation of over 300,000,000 has sent people into such a panic.

[ForeverLonelyGirl]

Thank you George. Yes, my son does keep reminding me of the disproportionate number of people that have actually contracted ebola compared to our population. The news media said on the first day news hit about the nurse getting it that possibly 10,000 people a week could be infected soon if something is not done to contain it now.

Is this irresponsible journalism? I think so. Why would they want to have people hysterical? To make a buck off their newscast? You are right, knowledge is power. I guess us anxiety prone people just need to really limit the amount of news stories we read. I think if I do not read one more today, that it is already too late. I am ridiculously anxious about it all, I do realize it. Now how can I stop this runaway train? I hate my weak mind, sure makes life hell at times!!!

[ifst5]

To be honest i think your anxiety is justified - laxness doesn't pay with this sort of disease and people have every right to question whether enough is really being done. The way this situation is currently being handled by western countries raises a serious amount of doubt over how ready we are. I think all anyone can hope for is that eventually flights from affected countries are prevented - what else will stop this?

I think the media can actually do a lot of good in these situations. For example the UK only bought in airport screening recently due to the press reporting other countries doing the same. If it hadn't been for that sort of pressure who knows when eventually we might have caved in?

At the end of the day, what will be will be, we knew something like this would occur eventually and even in the absolute worse case scenario, a lot of people will still survive and move on. You have just as much chance as anyone else in that case. I would say continue being cautious but for now let's wait - there's still a chance this could be bought under control but it takes effort and raised awareness. Silencing people and deflecting any thought about how serious this could get isn't going to do that.

Let's talk about this issue and let's be honest about the fear we rightfully have. Sweeping it all under the rug seems just as unhelpful.

At the end of the day, what will be will be, we knew something like this would occur eventually and even in the absolute worse case scenario, a lot of people will still survive and move on. You have just as much chance as anyone else in that case.

I'm sorry have I missed something? Yesterday there were only three cases in the US. A man who caught it in Africa and two health care workers who were directly involved in the treatment of that case.
Is there an outbreak in the UK? How many people infected so far?
This isn't even close to being a health crisis much less a catastrophic epidemic. This isn't a "28 Days Later" end of the world situation. I'm not making light of anyone's anxiety. I understand anxiety very well. I am certainly not going to contribute to the panic and make things worse.
If we're going to be morbid and scare ourselves, lets do it right and base it on reality.
Over 100,000 people die each year in hospitals... from causes other than the condition they originally presented with. That is, they die from health care errors.
Stay away from hospitals?
30,000 people die in traffic accidents each year.
Stop driving?
5000 pedestrians killed by cars last year.
Stop walking?
4600 people died from workplace accidents last year.
Stop working?
Tens of thousands die every year from the flu. 24 people have been killed by lightning strikes so far this year. More than 30 died in attacks by dogs.
Do you see where I'm going with this? The panic and anxiety over Ebola really is not reality based. That's my opinion anyway. From now on I'll keep it to myself.

[Angelique67]

I have a lot of anxiety over it too, no matter how unrealistic it will be. All I can think is I will need Rx refills in December and I have no place to go except probably the clinic with all the people with flu and I'll be petrified. I already am right now.

[ifst5]

Originally Posted by George H.

I'm sorry have I missed something? Yesterday there were only three cases in the US. A man who caught it in Africa and two health care workers who were directly involved in the treatment of that case.
Is there an outbreak in the UK? How many people infected so far?
This isn't even close to being a health crisis much less a catastrophic epidemic. This isn't a "28 Days Later" end of the world situation. I'm not making light of anyone's anxiety. I understand anxiety very well. I am certainly not going to contribute to the panic and make things worse.
If we're going to be morbid and scare ourselves, lets do it right and base it on reality.
Over 100,000 people die each year in hospitals... from causes other than the condition they originally presented with. That is, they die from health care errors.
Stay away from hospitals?
30,000 people die in traffic accidents each year.
Stop driving?
5000 pedestrians killed by cars last year.
Stop walking?
4600 people died from workplace accidents last year.
Stop working?
Tens of thousands die every year from the flu. 24 people have been killed by lightning strikes so far this year. More than 30 died in attacks by dogs.
Do you see where I'm going with this? The panic and anxiety over Ebola really is not reality based. That's my opinion anyway. From now on I'll keep it to myself.

So because there are other more likely causes of death this is somehow less serious? I'm sorry but i don't follow that logic. I never said anything about my own expectations for this crisis other than that it will get worse - and so far pretty much every authority is in agreement with that.

Ultimately there's a difference between concern and panic - people aren't hoarding food or not going to work. THAT'S a demonstration of panic. Discussing an issue on an internet forum is happening the world over and on a range of topics. Again, not a demonstration of panic.

Basically this comes down to whether you're an optimist or a pessimist - for me, i don't feel comforted by authorities trying to play down something whilst simultaneously revealing not so promising stats.

OP: Do what you feel you must; talk to friends on the issue, build up a support network who you can turn too when you feel your anxiety is getting out of control. Select what media outlets you expose yourself too - scientific journals might be the best option as all they're concerned with is the facts. Anxiety will never be rational and when it's over something like this it's made worse - but it's important to remember that we can't take responsibility for something out of our hands. All we can do is live our lives the best we can. That goes for any situation.

[SnakeCharmer]

possibly 10,000 people a week could be infected soon if something is not done to contain it now.

Yes, that is irresponsible journalism. The article was talking about Africa, not the USA. And that's if nothing is done to control the spread, such as quarantining people and limiting travel.

But the headline and the beginning of the article made it sound like it was going to be right her in River City, USA, next month. But it was about Africa.

The risk in the USA is still low. Containment measures will have to be instituted, the kinds of things Americans hate. Quarantine if exposed, limited travel, being monitored.

I'd agree to quarantine if I had been exposed and I wouldn't sneak out, as has already happened with people who should have known better. I'd probably post 20 times a day at Psych Central with increasingly annoying things to say as I got more antsy and bored. But I'd do it. I wouldn't want to risk harming anyone else.

How about you? Would you agree to a voluntary quarantine to stop the spread if you'd been exposed or even if it was thought you could have been exposed? What would you do?

[Angelique67]

I'm already in self imposed prison. I already post to pc 20x a day.

[ifst5]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

I'm already in self imposed prison. I already post to pc 20x a day.

Sorry i know this is off topic but there's nothing wrong with being an active member - PC is here to meet the current needs of whatever situation we're in. If you feel that posting a lot helps you - go right ahead.

[ForeverLonelyGirl]

Originally Posted by SnakeCharmer

Yes, that is irresponsible journalism. The article was talking about Africa, not the USA. And that's if nothing is done to control the spread, such as quarantining people and limiting travel.

But the headline and the beginning of the article made it sound like it was going to be right her in River City, USA, next month. But it was about Africa.

The risk in the USA is still low. Containment measures will have to be instituted, the kinds of things Americans hate. Quarantine if exposed, limited travel, being monitored.

I'd agree to quarantine if I had been exposed and I wouldn't sneak out, as has already happened with people who should have known better. I'd probably post 20 times a day at Psych Central with increasingly annoying things to say as I got more antsy and bored. But I'd do it. I wouldn't want to risk harming anyone else.

How about you? Would you agree to a voluntary quarantine to stop the spread if you'd been exposed or even if it was thought you could have been exposed? What would you do?

You are right, the news source that I heard quote that about the 10,000 a week made it sound like right here in the USA. I understand that the person saying it was highly reactionary and just was adding to the media frenzy, I did not get that they were meaning in Africa. Totally irresponsible journalism.

I just had to force myself out of the house today, which took me away from the news and facebook. Sometimes I think facebook is just the devil himself hiding out in sheep's clothing!

As far as posting on psych central many times per day, there is certainly no shame in that Angelique. However you feel supported is fine. If I was on this site that many times a day however, it would increase my anxiety I think. To each his own.

[Angelique67]

Well, for the word games if nothing else! 😑

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Well, for the word games if nothing else! 😑

That would definitely drive your post count I think I understand. I was a little embarrassed at one time about my post count. I used to post a lot and then I made a conscious effort to spend less time here and cut down on my post count. It's amazing to me how long it takes for the posts per day number to drop. So anyway, now I have to make a conscious effort to post at all

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by George H.

That would definitely drive your post count I think I understand. I was a little embarrassed at one time about my post count. I used to post a lot and then I made a conscious effort to spend less time here and cut down on my post count. It's amazing to me how long it takes for the posts per day number to drop. So anyway, now I have to make a conscious effort to post at all

Lol, there's no winning, huh? Seriously though, you should post when and if and as much as you want. I'm being amazingly nonjudgmental of myself here for now.

I think that's a good thing? Isn't it? I don't know about you but nobody judges me as harshly as I do
Seriously, if it helps you to be here often then I think you should keep it up.

[Angelique67]

It's definitely a good thing. I'm surprising myself.

[CosmicRose]

Watching the news induces anxiety for everyone. I don't even watch TV anymore, but on the rare occasion I flip it on, its ebola this, ebola that. I can tell they are using mass hsyteria on purpose, just like the swine flu, and every other major health epidemic that has graced our silver screens in the past five years alone. The news has literally nothing else to talk about other than ebola, that's why they're mentioning it every two minutes.
The next major news that drops, they'll be obsessed with that one and forget about ebola.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by George H.

I'm sorry have I missed something? Yesterday there were only three cases in the US. A man who caught it in Africa and two health care workers who were directly involved in the treatment of that case.
Is there an outbreak in the UK? How many people infected so far?
This isn't even close to being a health crisis much less a catastrophic epidemic. This isn't a "28 Days Later" end of the world situation. I'm not making light of anyone's anxiety. I understand anxiety very well. I am certainly not going to contribute to the panic and make things worse.
If we're going to be morbid and scare ourselves, lets do it right and base it on reality.
Over 100,000 people die each year in hospitals... from causes other than the condition they originally presented with. That is, they die from health care errors.
Stay away from hospitals?
30,000 people die in traffic accidents each year.
Stop driving?
5000 pedestrians killed by cars last year.
Stop walking?
4600 people died from workplace accidents last year.
Stop working?
Tens of thousands die every year from the flu. 24 people have been killed by lightning strikes so far this year. More than 30 died in attacks by dogs.
Do you see where I'm going with this? The panic and anxiety over Ebola really is not reality based. That's my opinion anyway. From now on I'll keep it to myself.

and in 2012 40,600 people in the U.S died of suicide(doubt it has decreased much in 2013 or this currant year) so that one beats deaths of ebola thus far as well.

[ForeverLonelyGirl]

You are so right Helion,

I'm sure 40 K plus died last year from suicide, no one can seem to get a movement going that makes any difference in the quality of mental health care. It is atrocious. So that is roughly 109 per day? I checked the math. If that many people were dying a day from Ebola, we would have long since gotten a "mental health/suicide prevention CZAR".

I thought when Robin Williams died and so many were greatly affected because of who he was and meant to so many of us, something might happen. Has it? I have not heard a peep. Lucky me to get one of those so called silent diseases that no one wants to talk about.

[krissy702001]

I understand as I feel anxiety over it also. Even though one part of my brain "knows" it is very unlikely I will ever get it, I still feel anxious about it. I just have to put it out of my mind completely.

[Bristifer]

Your fear shouldnt go unseen. Keep it with you but dont let it control you. Practice proper hygiene, research, keep up with the virus. Prepare for ANY natural disaster. There could be a disaster at anytime and you should always be prepared. Fear helps us, but it also controls us and we have to fight to control it.

[ifst5]

Originally Posted by Bristifer

Your fear shouldnt go unseen. Keep it with you but dont let it control you. Practice proper hygiene, research, keep up with the virus. Prepare for ANY natural disaster. There could be a disaster at anytime and you should always be prepared. Fear helps us, but it also controls us and we have to fight to control it.

Exactly what I was trying to get across - thank you.

[bipolar angel]

Forevelonely...hang in there. You can actually go right on center for disease control website
Cdc.gov-has ebola and other updates. It lists hotlines you can call about ebola to ask questions. It also lists how any hospitsl grade disinfectant-like bleach-would kill ebola and other similar viruses, on surfaces.also precautions for healthcare workers and...handwashing is very important. The cdc and probably WHO (world health organizations) list precautions/when to take them, etc
Hope it helps....at least getting info from some scietific sorces...I think cnn is also upfront about what they report

I know that we cannot control anxiety or panic. Sometimes it has a trigger and sometimes not, so telling someone not to worry is pointless IMHO....

That said, I live in Dallas, (I don't watch the news, and so I don't know the details). My husband is a microbiologist who works with infections diseases. He's not worried (although he doesn't suffer from anxiety like we do).

Anyway....the day that he gets concerned is the day that I will have good reason to be anxious.

[dinale]

Ebola is one of the least probable diseases you can get. Today I read that there is no more Ebola in Nigeria. It will not spread anymore due to the good measures taken.
News generally terrorize peope, so try not to watch so many news.