How do we deal with fear?

reThe corona epidemic is scary. It’s not just the fear of getting sick, but also the fear of how things will go. Researchers from the universities of Frankfurt and Hildesheim surveyed more than 7,000 teenagers and young adults to find out how the corona pandemic is affecting their lives. More than 45 percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement that they were afraid of the future. According to the researchers, young people not only have their own life situation in mind, but also reflect on the social and global consequences.

One respondent said: “I’m glad when it’s finally over, when you can approach people ‘normally’ again, different opinions no longer destroy relationships and you can be sure how to behave again. In times when people should be around each other more than ever, society is even more divided. ” Fear and insecurity determine life, people are classified according to their importance. Another said: “Corona made me aware of the importance of social (inter) actions and physical benefits for humans and especially for children and youth. Not only for social / emotional development, but also for well-being. I miss the hugs. ” And a third: “Every day is the same, there are no changes in sight. Always alone after school. “

This has been going on since March. The corona epidemic has changed our lives and everyone’s, regardless of whether they are old or young. Daily life with Corona has gotten lonelier. Things you barely thought about before suddenly disappear like hugs. It really is like this: with some things you only realize how important they are when they are gone. That makes us?

There is no end in sight, on the contrary. The next few weeks will probably be even lonelier, and that’s at a time when most of us have met friends and family over the years, strolled through the Christmas markets, and planned the big New Year’s Eve party. But everything is different this year, and who knows what will come next year. It is already clear that the fallout from the corona pandemic will keep us busy for a long time, whatever happens. Not only will we be able to shake like a bear awakens the dust from its fur when it wakes up from hibernation: Corona, just a bad dream No, unfortunately it will not.

The longer we have to live with restrictions, the more we will get used to them. Even now people have become more grumpy, more irritable. And not only that, are you still thinking of avoiding other people on the sidewalk as much as possible, keeping your distance at the cash register? Or that strange feeling in March, when you saw yourself in masks, is it still there? No, it’s like that, normal.

And if we’re not careful, at some point it can be normal to be categorized or not hug. That would be a life we ​​really should fear.

But it’s not that there’s nothing you can do about it. For example, being careful not to leave anyone alone. They can be there for each other even from a distance.