The difference between fear and panic is how it affects us. Fear entices us to go to the grocery store, stock up on essentials, wear a mask and stay home, but remain some sort of acceptance and tolerance. Panic entices us to go to the store, buy all of the toilet paper, buy all the home goods we can as if we won't be able to leave our homes again. The emotional value of panic is more destructive to our mental health because it matches an irrational thought with an irrational action.

In DBT, we learn of the three states of mind: emotional mind, logical mind, and wise mind. The difference in these is one is purely based on emotion, one entirely on logic, and the one in the middle, the wise mind which encompasses both. Our most helpful and productive functioning is in wise mind. We shouldn't make decisions based solely on emotions or focus entirely on logic. A balanced focus on the sides is the best practice for our mental health.

When dealing with fear-based thoughts or feelings regarding this virus, allow yourself to de-escalate and find a way to tap into your logic. Logic says you can leave your home, logic says this will go away, logic says that some have died but also that some have beat it. While our emotions say you'll stay like this forever, you'll get the virus and die, etc. Ask yourself, "Is this the wisest behavior, conclusion or thought or is this disruptive and emotion-based". This takes practice and patience but allowing yourself to break through the emotional mind and toward logic/mind. The better we get at this now, the easier it will be to transition back to normal functioning in the future, and outside of our fears.