Addressing Fears following Second U.S. Confirmed Case of Ebola
Indianapolis, IN, October 16, 2014 — The tragic death of Thomas Duncan from Ebola and, now, second US Ebola case confirmed can increase the worry and fears for everyday Americans of their health risk. It is important to recognize that media coverage has provided relevant facts from medical experts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about how Ebola spreads and relative risk. However, anxiety can often preclude hearing the facts of the message especially as it escalates. It is vital that we provide the American public health communications that address and normalize that unease and allow them to psychologically prepare themselves in times of uncertainty.
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides the following resources for consumers and media during this time:
- Managing Your Fears About Ebola: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/ebola-fear.aspx
- As Ebola Concerns Mount, Psychology Offers Guidance on Health-Risks Communication: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/10/health-communication.aspx
- How and Why You Should Ease Your Ebola Fears: http://www.yourmindyourbody.org/ebola-fears-and-anxiety-psychologists/
The Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) is available to answer any questions media personnel may have regarding risk reduction messages and addressing fear of Ebola. Please contact Dr. Julie Steck at jsteck@childrensresourcegroup.com, Dr. Carrie Cadwell at drcadwell@centurylink.net or 574-485-4583, or Dr. Rich Kennel at rkennel.phd@frontier.com or 812-232-2144.
