As the coronavirus pandemic unfolded across Europe, the early scenes from hospitals in Italy were harrowing indeed.  Doctors and nurses reported situations the likes of which they had never experienced before, with many likening things to a warzone.

It’s prompted many to worry about the mental health challenges facing those on the frontlines of the pandemic, and new research from Binghamton University believes lessons from the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York can be instrumental in constructing the appropriate response.

The researchers analyzed various coping techniques that can help to both build resilience and aid in recovery from stress.  These techniques include mindfulness, meditation and acceptance-based coping.  The aftermath of 9/11 was a good case study as so much effort was undertaken to help people deal with the trauma induced by the attacks.

Coping with trauma

While 9/11 provides some valuable insights, there are key differences, not least in the social isolation that is a feature of the coronavirus pandemic.  The aftermath of 9/11, by contrast, was an inherently social affair.  It suggests a variety of coping techniques is likely to be required.

Coping activities revolve around the so called three Cs of control, coherence, and connectedness.  Control can typically be found by being able to plan our activities or check in with friends.  Maybe you can control your news intake or keep a journal.

Connections are harder in these socially isolated times, but can be done via telephone, videoconferencing and social media.  We can also strive to be kind to ourselves, and express love and consideration for others.

Lastly, coherence is based around our desire to make sense of the world.  Often, a good start point is ‘acceptance-based coping’, which involves us observing our fears and anxieties without passing judgement on them.  It’s a process encapsulated by mindfulness.

The researchers plan to conduct further research as the pandemic unfolds, especially on how mindfulness can help us to build resilience and defend against post-traumatic stress.

“It is also important to test the coping strategies we proposed in our article to see if people did use them to reduce distress during the pandemic, as well identify additional techniques individuals used to cope with stress to enhance recommendations for coping during future mass traumas,” the researchers conclude.