(Submitted/Andrew Bear)

By Nicole Reis

Indigenous communities and COVID-19

Indigenous wellness coach urging communities to stay calm during pandemic

Mar 16, 2020 | 2:18 PM

An Indigenous wellness coach is encouraging First Nations communities to breathe and stay calm during this time of uncertainty amid concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus.

Andrew Bear told meadowlakeNOW he is optimistic current virus cases could be under control sooner than expected but urged the community to practice a blend of established advice mixed with good community-connectedness and mindfulness.

“We have to be able to do the things that we need to do such as practice good hygiene, eat properly and not internalize too much negative thinking,” he said.

Panicking will only bring further stress and will bring further diseases _{– Andrew Bear}

Bear said he interacts with First Nations people on a regular basis and the first thing he tells them is to follow government recommended procedures and to stay calm.

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“Some of the things we should be doing but are not doing are, for instance, is taking medications, practicing good hygiene and eating a balanced diet,” he said. “Not practicing cleanliness and hygiene, not eating right, could cause additional health problems.”

The wellness coach is witnessing the current lack of supplies in grocery stores and is encouraging the public to avoid panic which may affect wellness of the mind. Bear offered some techniques to cope with immediate stress caused by anxiety through prayer and deep breathing techniques.

“Being an Indigenous man, one of the things I believe in is spiritual connection,” he said. “I believe that’s important in all our lives that we connect spiritually.”

With closures of public buildings such as schools and cancellations of large gatherings, Bear is encouraging communities to follow recommended procedures of self-quarantining should flu-like symptoms present themselves.

“With all of this in place, it’s extremely important that we self-quarantine,” he said. “Try to stay away from other people as much as possible. If you’re in your family, stay within your family and that’s it.”

Bear said the more an individual is prone to enter the public sphere, not only does one risk the chance of contracting an illness, but mentalities may be affected by merely hearing various perspectives about the virus which could spill over into irrational thinking patterns.

In a statement issued today, Bear said he is planning to continue his visits with First Nations communities during the pandemic, focusing on vulnerable sectors of the community.

… just relax and calm down. Everything is going to be alright _{– Andrew Bear}

“It is clear that COVID-19 has affected all of our communities in some way or another. During this time, many community members have experienced mass hysteria, panic, trauma and even depression. It is quite clear that to leave any community in this state could cause long term problems that could be irreversible,” Bear said in the statement. “I am making every effort to help as many communities as possible to bring about healing initiatives.”

Bear’s presentations involve suicide-prevention presentations, stress-management techniques, and discussions surrounding self-esteem through the use of music as a healing technique.

The wellness coach is in the planning phase of hosting a live Q and A over his Facebook page to listen to concerns of First Nation people and offer guidance to citizens.

“Panicking will only bring further stress and will bring further diseases,” he said. “Right now, I would ask people to just relax and calm down. Everything is going to be alright.”

Bear encourages everyone to take prescribed medications as indicated, stay clean, and stay hydrated by sipping fluids on a regular basis.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722