In times of a pandemic, everything is uncertain. But as our minds are control freaks, they will do anything to make this situation controllable. This might sound like something positive, however, it can also have some impacts on our mental health. Before we judge, let’s find out the 9 responses of the brain to a pandemic.
1- IT CREATES SOLVABLE PROBLEMS TO RUN AWAY FROM THE FRUSTRATION OF BIG ONES
You might have heard of the toilet paper shortage issue that happened in different places due to the pandemic. In fact, scientists have stated that our brains create such problems (need for toilet paper) to give us a sense of victory when we are unable to achieve other victories. In this situation, the other victory should have been the access to medications, shelter, and food, which in many cases cannot be controlled in there was a shortage.
2- IT LOOKS FOR COMPLICATED SOLUTIONS FOR THIS COMPLICATED SITUATION
While many health organizations have given out simple solutions to stay away from the virus, our brain can deny most of them. For the brain, a very big issue like a pandemic needs big solutions rather than simple ones.
3- OUR BRAIN SYSTEMS
The brain prefers operating on autopilot mode, where all our activities are categorized into timed routines. When we are not doing the tasks we always did, we stop working on the autopilot mode. In this situation, we need others to activate the other system of the brain, which requires thinking and logic.
4- IT MIGHT MAKE YOU OVEREAT
When your unconsciousness is alerted of an emergency, our brains start thinking of the essentials that might be affected; namely food. You could find yourself overeating as a way for your brain to store fat in your body in case food shortages happen.
5- WE HAVE PROBABLY BEEN IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS IN THE PAST
You might not be able to remember these situations. This is because the stress hormones that are usually released in abundance during stressful situations affect the memory.
6- THE REASON WHY IT CAN’T CALM DOWN
The frontal cortex, which is the decision-maker, and the amygdala, which is responsible for the emotional reaction, are connected. The decision making parts are slowed down if the emotional ones are overwhelmed. In this case, the amygdala is responsible for your reactions and gets rid of all the false positives, giving credit to fake news and rumors. The brain will do anything to be cautious rather than saving your life.
7- THE REASON WHY THIS HAPPENS
This is our brain's way of protecting our anxiety and self-esteem when it comes to vulnerabilities and mortality issues.
8- UNCERTAINTY ANNOYS THE BRAIN
In unpredictable situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic, our brain is unable to control. This makes the emotional part of the brain freak out and leads the frontal lobe to generate random decisions.
9- WE DON’T LIKE TO BE VULNERABLE
Our brain makes sure to protect the image we would like to appear in; confident and self-sufficient. It will try to protect it in all cases and will feel threatened if it fails. This is common during uncertain times like an emergency.
