Conspiracy theories have always been around but as of late they have exploded. I see many people posting theories about the virus and I feel that it is very dangerous to do so because it could cost someone’s life. Some of my FaceBook friends post about how the government just wants to take over our lives which is why we are quarantine and it makes no sense. People just want to cause more problems and put false news out there.

I love reading conspiracy theories. Sometimes I ponder if there is some truth behind them but other times theyre so complex that I wonder if the person who came up with them is a genius or crazy. At the end of the day, I feel like theyre a false sense of security…that it might be less scary to believe some wild conspiracy theory than it is to actually believe what is really going on around you. Like Ellis said, ive seen people posting about the government take over or that COVID was a man made virus that was released by China to overthrow Trump…at the end of the day, people need to do their own research and educate themselves because believing some of these theories do more harm than good.

I agree with Ellis that there can be serious negative consequences in letting ourselves consume information without research. This part of the article resonates especially:

“They can increase feelings of mistrust and lead to disengagement from society including reduced intention to vaccinate, less engagement in climate science, and a higher likelihood to participate in low-level crime.”

Here’s a good take on conspiracy theories from a social scientist
https://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-how-belief-is-rooted-in-evolution-not-ignorance-128803

I agree with Tonya; we should be taking care of ourselves and others close to us not just physically but mentally. During these tough times I have found it helps to do things that keep your mind occupied such as cooking new recipes and trying to grow my own little plants/vegetables. I also have stopped watching the news, instead if I want updates on the pandemic or other things I will search online. I just find the news is filled with endless negativity and it does not help to be constantly reminded of that. Hope everyone is doing well/staying safe!

I agree Tonya, I believe that we need to have a balance in between our bodies, minds and souls; it is like an everythingship with yourself. Also, I think we must care of our minds as we do for our bodies. Sometimes, we forget the importance of maintain a healthy mental health because we do not believe that anything can affect us. During this crisis we could feel how important is to do activities that help us to elevate our spirit and to connect with our inner us. Taking a moment for pause, breath, and appreciate how wonderful we are and how many gifts from the universe we got, is necessary in these times because it will help us not to give up emotionally. After taking this little moment, I am pretty sure that you will find many skills and will use them to keep you mind safe and healthy.
In my case, I am experiencing the pandemic alone, so I am trying to keep myself busy. I cannot say that I’ve not had negative thoughts or that I’ve not been worried about my current situation, but I need to calm down, pause a little bit because if I don’t it might worse. So, I’ve been doing yoga, I am vegan, so I’ve been creating new dishes, reading, writing (in my language, I found out that I’m not that good writing in English, but I try hehe). Most important, analyzing myself, and thanking the universe for what I have done and where I am now.
Yes, we are living a unexpected situation, which generates fears and anxiety, but… There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Last but not least, I am totally open if someone needs to talk or unburden, anytime!

We humans are social beings that need to socialize and interact. This quarantine and overall tension in the air prevents that from happening along with financial strains , increased violence, and limited accessibility to food can definitely lead to a change in mental health. We are all just trying to get through these times and survive, but at what cost to our our mental health?

Like Jacklyn, I am taking distance from the media as well (although these blogs are excellent opportunities to catch up). Keeping busy with hobbies is one way. You know how we always say, “Oh, if I had time I would do X, Y, and, Z…” Well, we have the time. But I think the circumstances may affect our capacities. Being in front of our screens can be draining. Still, I hope ya’ll are taking care, and achieving your goals.

Tonya, I liked how you included the importance of the markets, as it serves as a food source for many people throughout Asia and Africa. I completely agree with you as change must come from education and awareness, but I’d like to add that change must come from the help of developed nations towards the developing world. In the United States, I believe that many people would be surprised or disgusted to say the most that people in the African villages were skinning, chopping and eating a chimpanzee. It is easier to say it’s terrible to eat these types of wildlife, that even I would deem as exotic, but it’s harder to understand the culture and traditions that these villagers have known all their lives. Although these forests are thinning, which causes an increase in interaction between humans and wildlife, which is known to be the origin for many diseases and viruses, governments continue to do very little, as these areas aren’t as privileged to have the easy variety of food choices, or even have the accessibility like we do. Furthermore, I believe developed nations should spread awareness, but this isn’t easy without proper education and of course, funds. Overall, COVID-19 has indeed shown the world the importance of what developed nations see as a “proper diet” (a diet not consisting of wildlife), but more of farmed animals, agriculture, which many nations can’t afford, especially when the discussion of culture is incorporated.

Great post and comment. The connections to climate change and food security are super important.