Coronavirus and Mental Health- How to stay calm and composed in this pandemic wave

Coronavirus is the most trending topic in newspapers, news channels, social media platforms, research forums, government level strategy, and advertisements and in lay man gossips. The statistics flashing on news channels confirm the popularity it has earned in a few months. Due to the notorious fame Coronavirus, also known as China or Wuhan virus, does not need any introduction. Every health and non-health organization is concerned about promptly dealing the pandemic wave. Any minor mistake from any level of community can lead to unforeseen results. Medical science is currently working day and night to find out the absolute treatment for this widespread disease for quick recovery of patients. A single virus has compelled strongest nations around the world for complete lockdown. From education, business, travelling to daily outdoor chores of usual life are frozen and the credit goes to the novel Coronavirus. Unfortunately, Coronavirus is not the only pandemic wave the mankind is witnessing. Black Death, Spanish flu, Swine flu, Plaque of Justinian, Plaque of Athens and Great Plaque of London are the pandemic waves through which the mankind struggled. The struggle passes but the psychological impact stays.

The current pandemic wave of Coronavirus features immense psychological impact among the public. Since the disease originated in China therefore the Chinese victims are subjected to stigma and xenophobia. Public has hard time in accepting their interference after combatting the disease in their country. Limited information and no success in finding a lead towards the cure of this disease have developed a doubt and resentment towards the health professionals. It appears as if unknowingly people are losing trust over their medical organizations. People fear for themselves and their loved ones therefore the news and videos they watch exacerbate their stress. Panic attacks, insomnia, sweating, confusion, feeling of exhaustion and loss of appetite are common presentations of stress and anxiety. Many people worry about their sanitation and hygiene. Even if it is clean they keep cleaning it to satisfy themselves. [1]

Figure 1Source: ABC News Washington Post Poll

So what can you do to keep the anxiety away?

Every individual thinks of himself to be the first and last person who is suffering from anxiety and panic every now and then. Endless thoughts about catching Coronavirus and then drying miserably keep unfolding in their mind like a projector film. Sadly, the same anxiety, worry, panics and stress is shared by everyone in and out of country. Even those countries where there is no affected individual the citizens feel unsafe and scared. The crisis is hovering over the globe incessantly and to get rid of it there is only one way; to fight. As we know being physically healthy is essential to fight Coronavirus. Similarly, staying mentally relaxed and calm is equally necessary. So far everyone has read quite a lot about the prevention and safety against Coronavirus. Following is a quick guideline about staying mentally calm and anxiety-free during this hour of global health crisis.

Figure 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GLPrVFAQI0

1. News channels are the source of anxiety. Aren’t they? Whatever information you have till now is quite enough for you. Watching news channels all day long won’t help you in any way except build tension in your mind.
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3. Death toll is not a score you need to keep updated with. There is no importance of knowing how many people died in each day in every city or country. Although you might tell yourself that these are only figures which won’t harm you yet they unintentionally build a fear of dying in your mind.
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5. Finding relevant information on internet is always a bad idea.No matter what disease it is putting it in the search bar of search engine must be avoided. Similarly, in case of Coronavirus, you don’t have to search about it every now and then. Incomplete and unconfirmed information about this novel disease can lead to more confusion and stress.
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7. Avoid forwarding messages about the crisis.It is your responsibility to not only take care of yourself but also about the people around you.
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9. Entertain yourselfwith some physical games. Board games are always a good option to spend some quality time with family.
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11. Catch up on web series, TV shows and movies. There must be many of them you couldn’t watch because of deadlines, work load and exams. Now is the time.
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13. Reading won’t hurt.Even if you have never taken a book in our hand before, it’s okay. You can read some available online.

Dealing with kids and elderly can be difficult. They are prone to be mentally unstable and become anxious about the situation quite easily.

1. Listen to them.Let them speak about their feelings. Once they give their stress the shape of voice and words they will feel relaxed.
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3. Talk to them.Let them know that you all are in this together. Tell them that all of it will be soon over.
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5. Engage them in any activity.Don’t let them sit idle for long time. Make them do small chores.
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7. Limit their exposure to news.News channels are all about bad news these days. Everyone irrespective of age is supposed to stay away from them.
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There must be many people who are cut-off from their family and living under quarantine. Being alone can give rise to more anxiety and stress. It becomes quite difficult for them to spend time and stay positive.

1. Avoid sitting idle.Read books, watch movies, talk to a friend or family member or invest some time in self-care.
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3. Talk to someone you love.Share your thoughts and feelings with them. This will help you ease.
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5. Give yourself some time to relax.Sit or lie down. Declutter your mind by praying, motivating yourself and keeping the positive thoughts only.
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COVID-19 has brought stigmatization and xenophobia which is as dangerous as the disease itself. By every mean, it is necessary to control the impact of this disease of the psychological state of mind of humans.

References:

1. Moukaddam, N., & Shah, A. (2020, March 15). Psychiatrists Beware! The Impact of COVID-19 and Pandemics on Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/psychiatrists-beware-impact-coronavirus-pandemics-mental-health/page/0/1