As the COVID-19 death toll rises in the United States, you may find yourself afraid to tell people that you have contracted the deadly virus.
Niro Feliciano, a cognitive psychotherapist, has treated many people who have tested positive and can confirm that her patients were afraid to tell their family and friends, Today reports.
“It’s often been described as our ‘Scarlet Letter’ of 2020,” said Feliciano. “People are often labeled as if they did something wrong, and then ostracized on some level. And now, with all the kids in school, it’s even worse because your actions can literally shut down a dozen classrooms.”
If you test positive for coronavirus, Feliciano shared that it isn’t necessarily your fault. She added that people who followed have COVID-19 protocols have still contracted the virus.
Here are some tips to use if you need to break the news:
Family and friends: If you share a house with either family members or roommates, you must tell them immediately. When breaking the news, it is best to come up with a plan on how you will quarantine.
School, work and daycare: If you or your children have symptoms, find out if the place you work, go to daycare or school has a specific policy to move forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests staying home if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
Keep it honest and simple: Don’t give unnecessary information to the person. The most important thing to do is to call, text or email the people you need to notify and let them know you’ve tested positive.
Everyone will respond differently: “Be open to the fact that people are operating out of different fear levels themselves, different levels of anxiety,” Feliciano said.
Prepare for several questions: People will ask you several questions about your diagnosis. Feliciano said some of these questions may get personal.
- Who were you with?
- What kind of test did you take?
- Were you wearing a mask?
Focus on what you can control: “Many times when people get fearful, their mind races to the worst-case scenario,” Feliciano said. “What I usually direct patients to think about is, ‘Okay, what is my reality right now in this moment, am I in that worst-case scenario? Do I know that I've infected these people for sure?’”
Don't feel guilty: Feliciano said blaming yourself and others isn't helpful. Your main priority should be thinking how you are going to get better.
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