The past couple of months have been surreal. No one would have ever thought that something so small and invisible to the eyes can be so destructive that it would trigger the world to take a break from the usual everyday things. It’s as if the world has stopped revolving — classes were terminated, schools and churches have closed, businesses were forced to shut down, the shows could not go on.

And people were forced to stay at home. 

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has spread globally and continues to threaten all human beings around the world. While it’s true that this virus is freakingly contagious and life-threatening, the coronavirus itself is not the worst thing that’s happening right now. Contrary to everyone’s knowledge, there is another more dangerous virus that is spreading more rapidly than the coronavirus — and that virus is fear.

The loss of reason and the fleeting wave of fear that has induced the society into an irrational state of panic is becoming more dangerous — even more deadly than the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

Fear can cause unnecessary stress that can kill the immune system — it attacks the brain, making it incapable of making rational decisions. Fear spreads like wildfire or flash floods and is more contagious than the virus — it causes havoc and madness and unfortunately, some people can get it worse. 

Contrary to everyone’s knowledge, there is another more dangerous virus that is spreading more rapidly than the coronavirus.

While the danger associated with COVID-19 coronavirus is real, the fear that most people link to it is often imaginary. 

Yes, it’s normal to feel afraid of the virus. It’s normal to take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting infected. But it’s not healthy to maintain a panic-stricken attitude and let yourself live in worry and fear while this global crisis lasts. Because the stress caused by fear is more harmful to your health than the existence of the virus itself. 

However, fear is not always the enemy. In fact, it can be justifiable and is actually necessary for human survival and existence. But inappropriate fear can be tragic and deadly. It can prevent your brain from thinking clearly. 

Unfortunately, fear spreads every minute, just like a pandemic. It lives on your TV screens and mobile phones. Every time you scroll your social media feed, you can get reinfected. Fear invades the brain and can turn into hatred and blame. Using the crisis to incite hatred could have deadly consequences. And inhumane measures will not make effective remedies.

Being aware of the coronavirus and its danger is extremely necessary to survive. You have to be aware of what needs to be done to minimize its spread. But you should not make the situation worse by cultivating negative emotion and imagination known as fear. Irrational fear can make you act from your worst self. Panic can let you lose your sanity.

Fear spreads every minute, just like a pandemic. And every time you scroll your social media feed, you can get reinfected.

Many people have been engulfed by the fearsome power brought upon by the COVID-19 coronavirus, stockpiling obscene quantities of anything as if we’re now living in an apocalyptic era. But just like any tragedy, we can either let this destroy us or we can use it to our benefit.

Be alert, not fearful. Boost your immune system, wash your hands, maintain social distance. Be mindful of not only what you let your hands touch, but most importantly, of what you allow inside your mind. 

Fear is a fatal virus that can cause a pandemic — it can be easily transmitted. If you are exposed and you think you exhibit symptoms, you can decontaminate yourself through dance, music, laughter, good books, workout, meditation.  

Be mindful of not only what you let your hands touch, but most importantly, of what you allow inside your mind. 

It’s time to remind yourself of what really is important. It’s your health, yes — both physical and mental. Of course, your life. Be grateful to live another day because not everyone gets to have the same chance. And always pray for your friends and loved ones. We may be physically distancing for now, but it should not prevent us from connecting with each other. After all, when all this is over and done, all we ever really have in this world is each other.

May we all beat this worst virus called fear — together.