For your physical, mental, and spiritual health amid the SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) worldwide emergency.

I have assembled this page to provide the neurodivergent community and others with resources and information to keep us healthy, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually, in this challenging time. We are all in this together. We got this. Know that this too shall pass, and this world and the humanity will emerge stronger.

Last update: Monday, March 16, 2020. This page is being continuously updated and improved. Send feedback by clicking or tapping the "envelope" button at the lower right-hand corner of this page. 

(I know I haven't updated this page since March... I began this project before I was completely burned out. Some of the information you'll find here are probably outdated. -- W. 10/26/2020.)

Know the facts beyond the media hypes.

We live in the age of 24/7 news cycle and information overload. But we don't have to listen to every single news story that comes your way. There was a time when people survived on reading a newspaper every morning to keep abreast of what is happening in the world and in their community. There are dedicated professionals who are working overtime to stop the virus and care for those who are infected. Relax. The world does not fall apart just because you aren't paying attention to the latest news. 

More importantly, news media tend to sensationalize their reporting for the sake of rating or web traffic. Headlines are intentionally written in such a way that they grab readers' attention. Exaggeration, appeal to primal emotions (such as fear and anger), and click-baiting are common.

To keep yourself informed and stay grounded, it helps to know the facts beyond the media hypes. Don't just passively consume news, even though it's tempting to feel that we're better informed (to feel a sense of control) -- you don't have to follow the news around-the-clock!

If you are able and scientifically inclined, check out the factual data from sources such as the World Health Organization and biorxiv.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that, even in the midst of this global crisis, there are many good things that are happening and they are underreported. Even though it appears that everything in the world now revolves around COVID-19, there are other things that are happening right now, too.

Yes, the pandemic is real and requires serious actions that we can all take. However, this is about maintaining a proper balance in our minds, not being in denial or practicing a "toxic positivity." This is an important part of self-care in order for you to stay resilient and healthy.

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, NRSV.)

Media resources for you

COVID-19 data and facts: Not everything you see or hear is true:
  • Snopes: check for rumors and misinformation.
​Take a break from the COVID-19 panic:
  • Reddit /r/upliftingnews: Look at the best of humanity and all the good things happening now around the world.
  • Supreme Master TV: free 24/7 online TV channel with interesting contents on world religions, cultures, vegan cooking shows, and uplifting news. 
​

Stay healthy.

Practice physical health self-care

Many of us in the autistic community do not have the same kind of relationship the neurotypicals have with the healthcare industry. The lack of access to healthcare, whether due to lack of insurance or income, or because of discrimination, ignorance and prejudice exhibited by healthcare providers, often leaves us feeling more vulnerable and anxious about our physical health. 

One of the most important things we can do now is to reclaim our power and agency. This means to practice the common-sense safety protocols to keep ourselves and those around us from catching the virus. 

We can do this without letting ourselves consumed by fear and paranoia. Think of it as a new safety habit, just like wearing a seatbelt while driving or practicing safer sex. Being fearless does not mean being reckless. 

Washing hands, keeping a distance from another person, and not touching our faces (if touching your face is part of your stimming habit, find something else!) are some of the simplest things most able-bodied persons with housing can do [note: I am very much aware of the intersections between the autistic community and other disabilities, as well as houselessness and lack of access to hygiene facilities, especially when everything seems to be closed.]. Doing what you can puts you in control and maintain your agency, instead of living in constant fear.

In addition to following the recommended health protocols against COVID-19, practicing a good self-care keeps you safe from other illnesses (this is also a pretty nasty influenza season) and contributes to your physical and mental well-being. 

Physical activities, such as yoga, qigong, hiking, bicycling, and dancing, can also reduce your anxiety and depression. Most such activities can be done under social distancing. 

A person said, "O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?" The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said: "Tie her and trust in Allah." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2517)
Practice mental health self-care

Important: If you are in crisis now, call 1-800-273-8255 (USA) or text 741741 (USA) / 686868 (Canada); other countries: see this list. 

Points of consideration: 
  • The shutdown related to social distancing measures breaks familiar routines, which can throw us off in a big way. 
  • Depression may worsen from social distancing-induced isolation, if unchecked.
  • Anxiety level may be elevated because of COVID-19 related news overload, rumors and misinformation on social media, lack of transparent information from the government and businesses, and unusual, alarming sights in your community (such as empty streets and empty store shelves). 
  • Artificial shortage of familiar food items, personal care items, etc., can be upsetting.
  • If your income, housing, healthcare, education, and social life are significantly affected by the social distancing measure, it may induce high stress and anxiety. 

Anxiety is a common occurrence in the lives of autistic individuals even on a "good" day. With what we are hearing from the media, the Internet, and our friends and neighbors, your anxiety level may be very high.

It is natural for us humans to react to events around us. But reaction is not the same as response. Reaction comes from the primal and emotional part of our mind. Response, on the other hand, is rational. Reaction is often driven by short-term emotions such as fear. Response is intentional,  measured, and looks to the long-term. It is our response that matters. A positive response takes the middle road between two extremes: denial and panic.

Practical actions:
  • Increase your sense of agency. Take charge of your own life to the extent possible, so you won't feel powerless.
  • Create a new routine, or adapt your existing routine. If you typically wake up at 6 a.m. on workdays, then keep that schedule. 
  • Engage in creative and constructive activities that can keep your mind off the news of COVID-19 while also preparing for the day when all this is over so you can snap right back into action. Always wanted to write a novel, read those unfinished books, or make art? This is the time.
  • Go on a digital fast or media fast for half a day, one full day, or once a week. Turn your notifications off unless it is absolutely necessary. Take a break from social media.
  • Dance. Sing. Take a walk in the forest. Any physical activity can help.
  • Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. 
  • Meditate or pray. This may be challenging for many neurodivergent folks. If sitting quiet and emptying your mind for an extended period of time is not your cup of tea, try chanting mantras/sutras, or if you are Christian, sing praise and worship songs or Taize-style hymns.  

 "I now exercise my fearless faith in three ways: by thinking, speaking, and acting. I am unmoved by appearances; therefore, appearances move." (Florence Scovel Shinn)

Join the free community.

In order to support the community during this challenging time, I have created a couple of 

On Second Life: Gartogg (82,178, 1401) - open through April 10, 2020
On Discord: