The events of the past six weeks have been nothing short of shocking: From the loss of life, worldwide travel restrictions and quarantines, closed businesses and schools, to record stock market corrections and sky-high volatility, we are all reeling. The physical and psychic toll they take on us is only amplified by the nonstop media coverage. All of which is impossible to escape, especially for those of us that are self-isolating.

As governments and leaders struggle to coordinate effective fiscal, monetary and health care policies, it’s no wonder fear and panic are the order of the day. It’s precisely at times like these that the value of working with a trusted financial professional really becomes apparent.

Below is a chart provided by our friends at National Bank Investments, highlighting the 10 worst quarters the TSX has ever experienced in its history, along with performance in subsequent years. The common takeaway in each instance is to stay invested over the long term.