Coping with Coronavirus

May 22, 2020

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly (psychiatry, Trinity Coll. Dublin; consultant psychiatrist, Tallaght Univ. Hospital, Dublin) correctly identifies two major issues stemming from the pandemic: the illness itself (and its sometimes-fatal outcome) and the mental health issues we may experience during a time of uncertainty. Kelly provides readers with a five-step plan for working with and through anxiety. He aptly weaves his practical knowledge as a psychiatrist experienced in dealing with anxiety in patients and his in-depth study of Buddhist thought. The resulting text, a quick read without feeling superficial, is an introduction to mindfulness and anxiety-minimization that could be used by readers in many scenarios. Despite its title, this book could have easily been about mindfulness. However, the psychological toolkit adapting strategies to living during the pandemic is short and accessible and worth the read. VERDICT Recommended for those interested in mindfulness and self-help, but also for those who identify as spending too much time catching up on COVID-19 news via social media.--Rachel M. Minkin, Michigan State Univ. Libs., East Lansing

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