As corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeps across the world, it is causing concern, fear and stress, all of which are natural and normal reactions to the changing and uncertain situation that everyone finds themselves in.
Millions of lives have been significantly altered, and global, multi-level, and demanding stress-coping-adjustment process is ongoing. There has been steep rise in patients with mental illness since the pandemic of COVID-19.
Most of us has sense of loss of control as situations not entirely in our hands and uncertainty when it will end. There is fear that our loved ones might succumb to infection despite precautions and also feeling deprived of free movement in society which may eventually lead to changes in sleep pattern, difficult in concentrating or increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Staying at home can be quite nice for sometime but can also be boring and restricting. Here are some ways to keep positive and cheerful:
– distract yourself from negative emotions by listening to music, reading, watching an entertaining programme.
– rediscover your hobbies
– be physically active, do simple indoor exercise
– eat well and drink plenty of fluids
– have regular schedule and help in doing some of the work at home
– make sure to access and believe only most reliable sources of information for self protection. Do not follow sensational news
– stick to the known advice: hand hygiene and social distancing
– avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
– sharing is caring: understand if someone around you needs advice, food or other essentials
– if you have children at home, keep them busy by allowing them to help the household chores. Make them feel responsible and acquire new skills.
Feeling lonely or sad is also quite common. Stay connected with others. Call up people whom you haven’t spoken to and surprise them. Discuss happy events, common interests, exchange cooking tips, share music. Taking care of elderly people is also very important because most of them are very emotionally liable and you can help them out by spending time with them, cut down on listening to news, keep them busy on recreational activities. Stay home stay safe, we shall overcome someday. In God we trust.
Dr. C Manpa Phom MD Medicine