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Is it Hard to Stay Safe?
As various areas are emerging from sheltering in place, many people aren't abiding by the precautions that have been advised: wearing masks and remaining appropriately distanced from one another. We see young adults crowding beaches and protesters clustered together as they march. And their disregard for their own and everyone else's safety may compromise us. The number of people being infected by the coronavirus is increasing again. Why are people not abiding by the restrictions?
External Reasons
Some are simply denying the danger because it seems unreal, being invisible and not yet having affected anyone they know. Their desires for unsafe activities simply override knowledge of the danger.
For others, the reality of the coronavirus is so different from their previous reality that they can't quickly make the leap. A novel situation always requires some getting used to, and the more novel it is, the longer it takes to get used to it. People who have had limited experiences in their lives are not used to changes, so it takes them longer to grasp a new situation.
Some people are misinformed. Their news sources report that the coronavirus is a hoax, so of course they need not take precautions. To the extent that they rely emotionally on these sources, they will resist considering other information and, if challenged, will cling to their sources more intensely, believe the false news more firmly, and rebut those who offer alternative views.
Internal Reasons
Although people I'm close to are taking the necessary distancing very seriously, a couple of them know people who aren't; these people can't, because they're dying for contact with others. What might cause this? They may use interaction with others as a way of filling an internal feeling of emptiness or of overridng uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. Or they may need to cling to others as an extension or transference of clinging to inadequate parental figures. Whatever the cause, their need for inappropriate contact creates danger for themselves and those whom they want to see.
What Can You Do?
If you need help resisting temptations to engage in unsafe practices, or if you want help dealing with others who are disregarding precautions, you can use my complimentary Tool to assist you. In Step 3, wish for a new mental pathway that will be dedicated to helping you stay safe.
GET THE COMPLIMENTARY Tool
