It is a year since we first learned about COVID-19. Overall anxiety levels have increased, and people are requesting services more than ever before.
While there are many factors which have contributed to the escalation of mental health concerns, I would like to focus on a specific factor, namely, catastrophic language. Whether being used by leaders or individuals, learning to tone down our hyperbole will go a long way to helping us be more resilient.
What is a catastrophe?
A catastrophe is something that causes life threatening devastation to our lives such as an earthquake, a tsunami, or an uncontrollable bushfire. When a catastrophe hits, our brains are wired to recognise the severity of what is happening and to respond in a functional way to save us. Our brains will activate our fight or flight systems so that we find the energy within ourselves to get to safety or to protect ourselves.
Illustration
When some-one shouts “Fire!” we immediately have the capacity to run faster than we thought possible or to push open doors with superhuman strength. That is the purpose of the fight/flight reaction.
What is catastrophic language?
When we use words such as trauma, abuse, disaster, crisis to describe an event where our lives are not in imminent danger, that is catastrophic language. A desperate tone or dramatic nuance is also catastrophic language.
When we utilise catastrophic language, we activate the fight/flight response unnecessarily. Our brain goes on high alert and our bodies get ready to move strongly. As there is no need for this response, as there is no factual catastrophe, we experience these reactions as anxiety or panic.
Solution
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has proven that describing an event factually will keep you calm and will activate coping mechanisms. Therefore, focus on your words and stick to the facts.
Illustration
Rather than shouting “Fire!” when there is a little flame that can easily be put out, say “ The pan on the stove has a flame that is 4 inches high. I need to put a lid on the pan to douse the flame”. When your brain hears the size of the flame and sees the solution, it remains calm and able to solve the problem.
How does this discussion relate to the pandemic?
While the pandemic is serious, we are not in a life-threatening situation 24/7. It is not helpful or healthy to keep focusing on how catastrophic life is for months on end. Using factual language is most beneficial to our mental health.
Imagine if leaders had made inspiring calls to action such as:
“Every hundred years or so, the world has had a pandemic. Previous generations have got through it with much less medical knowledge and technology than we have now. In recent years we have successfully managed HIV, SARS and Ebola. It is just a matter of time before we master COVID-19. We will get through this together”.
READ THIS ALOUD AND SEE HOW CALM AND BRAVE YOU FEEL!
Conclusion
From today watch your language. Be factual about what is happening and do not use hyperbole or drama. Keep those loaded words for the rare occasions when they are truly necessary. This will prime your brain to be resilient and problem solving rather than fearful, panicky and on high alert.
At Masterpiece Psychology (former Anxiety Solutions CBT Psychology Practice), we train our patients in cognitive behavioural therapy which is a rational approach to facing difficulties in life. It is an evidence-based treatment that can help you to rewire your brain to be calmer. Sometimes it is not enough to just know what you should do differently; you need a method to train you how to think and speak differently.
We offer one on one therapy as well as groups.
Give us a call on 02 9328 5899 or 0466 833 886 to learn more about our program and therapies.
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