Satanic Self-Care: Coronavirus Edition
Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2, COVID-19) is spreading quickly across the globe and impacting our daily lives. How do we manage this ever-changing environment? How do our Satanic values emerge under these conditions? How can we take care of ourselves and community? Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in public health and epidemiology. I’ve been listening to the experts and put together some initial thoughts on how we confront this phenomenon and ways to put our Satanic values in action.
Trust the science
For Satanists, science is the final word. It holds our greatest understanding of what’s happening around us and teaches us how to best navigate this pandemic and care for ourselves. It can also help us manage anxiety and avoid unnecessary panic and help us prepare appropriately. With that in mind, don’t copy and re-post unreferenced coronavirus tips from social media. There is a ton of potentially dangerous misinformation about the coronavirus spreading across social media, so make sure you verify your sources of information before you absorb or repost. Here are some tips from Harvard on how to spot fake news.
It’s important to remember that the science behind understanding the virus is very new and there is a tremendous amount we don’t understand. Many of the studies emerging are promising but haven’t had time to undergo the usual validation process, so take everything with a grain of salt. Here are some tried and true resources recommended by trusted epidemiologists:
For those who want to go straight to the source and be up to date on the latest research, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has a Coronavirus dashboard for updates and direct links to new papers on SARS-COV-2.
The World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control provide up to date, easily digestible info on the virus
Johns Hopkins created a resource site for COVID-19. It includes a dashboard from Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science that examines the global spread of the disease, tips on prevention, as well as insight from global health experts on the virus
Have some extra time and brain space to deepen your learning on epidemiology? Coursera is offering a free massive online open course named 'Epidemics' was developed at Penn State Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics. It‘s an excellent resource for learning about a range of topics in epidemiology, public health, disease ecology and dynamics. Check it out: https://www.coursera.org/learn/epidemics
Minimize risk to yourself and community
It’s time to bring your compassion to the forefront! First of all, if you think you’re sick and your symptoms match those of the virus, get tested and seek care. Many health systems are offering phone lines and tele-visits to advise patients on their risk and avoid overloading the system, so utilize those resources if you can.
Everything we know about this virus suggests that infection spreads exponentially until we are able to contain it. This virus has a higher mortality rate than the average flu and is extremely communicable. How do we contain the virus? Through social distancing - meaning we need to try to keep people (even those who aren’t sick or are asymptomatic) home as much as possible, for as long as possible until this recedes. How can you put this into practice? Check out this article for an overview. In brief - obey regional directives to quarantine if you have them. If you don’t yet have them, stay at home as much as possible anyway. If you’re a business owner, entertainer, or community leader, move work and meetings online. Cancel or postpone shows and other gatherings until the virus is under control. It appears that many carriers are asymptomatic and some of the hardest hit are the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions - meaning someone with little or no symptoms could carry the virus to people who are high risk. These modifications can be difficult and inconveniencing, but think of them as religious sacrifices - ones that help to protect your community and yourself.
Help those in need
Now is the time to take care of ourselves and our community. Reach out to your community if you have the resources and spoons to help those that need it. That could mean going on food runs for elderly neighbors, providing guidance and encouragement to a sick or worried friend, giving money to someone who lost work, or watching your neighbor’s kids when their schools are closed. If you have a local chapter, consider creating a mechanism for members to help each other. If you need help, ask! Know your needs and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Check out local and regional resources for assistance as well. As Trent Reznor famously crooned, ‘We’re in this together now!’ There are a myriad of ways to help locally and provide support to each other in our Satanic community. Keep your eyes and heart open and stay safe.
How are you putting your Satanic values in action during the pandemic?
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