By DR. PETER ROSARIO
CATHOLIC HEALTHCARE
Nearly 40 years ago, as a physician early in my profession, I was presented with a young man having a strange array of symptoms. He had an illness that had yet to be described let alone own a specific treatment.
Six months later, very similar symptoms were being reported in young men living in predominantly large metropolitan areas. This new illness, and that which affected my patient, was AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Unquestionably, there was fear of the illness among the nurses and other healthcare professionals. It was a fear of contracting the virus and dying. Despite precautions in place, I found it necessary in subsequent cases to reassure the nurses, and their spouses, they could safely care for their patients.
Disappointingly, this fear among healthcare workers persisted for many years. Now we have another virus, SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19), which has caused infections and sickness throughout the world. It also has proven deadly. In many ways, fear of illness and death from COVID-19 has mandated actions including social isolation and distancing; shelter-in-place; and masks, called non-pharmaceutical interventions, or NPIs.
Sadly, these important interventions have resulted in unintended consequences. COVID-19 has spawned studies confirming that isolation and loneliness can result in unanticipated morbidity and mortality. This is especially true among the elderly.
In many areas of the country, even in Evansville, mental-illness-related-crisis-line calls have risen sharply in the past several months. Suicides, anxiety, depression, child and spousal abuse, and drug and alcohol abuses have increased. Physical ailments, including strokes, dementia and diabetes, also have seen upswings.
In general, people who have a spiritual life live longer, are happier and more fulfilled. In some studies, an even greater benefit is achieved by those attending regular church services. Perhaps it is the community aspect found in attending church. It is safe to say that our spiritual lives are just as important as our physical well-being.
Here is the unpleasant dilemma we face. In attempting to control the spread of the viral infection using NPIs, we may endure undesirable medical and social consequences – including limited access to the Sacraments, Holy Mass and community.
Holy Mass can be seen virtually. Reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion are wisely being offered in alternate ways that minimize the risk of exposure to the virus.
We are fortunate to have Bishop Joseph M. Siegel and our dedicated priests trying to do their best to keep our churches open and the Sacraments available. Hopefully, we can continue in this manner and, in time, increase our participation in the Sacraments and Holy Mass.
Like me, you may be wondering about the best and safest options regarding participation in the upcoming holidays, especially given their Christian significance. In truth, I don’t know how best to advise readers. From a strictly medical base, the recommendations to socially isolate, shelter-in-place, keep distance, wear masks and pay attention to personal hygiene (handwashing) make sense. They cannot and should not be ignored.
As one who believes this is a time for hope and faith, and prayer and petition, the damage to our spiritual well-being should not be ignored, either.
Perhaps one fortunate consequence of the mandated restrictions is that they have encouraged more personal and family time. This time can be used to enrich our prayer lives. Daily rosaries recited as a family (or just a decade if the children are too young to sit through a whole rosary) is one way to help alleviate the fear surrounding COVID-19.
We all regret not being able to come together as community. We should remain faithful to the instructions and recommendations given to us by our leaders, even if they prove frustrating at times. But we also need to trust in the Lord and seek His presence in our lives in meaningful ways as we work diligently to minimize the fear of COVID-19 that may paralyze us.