During the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a lot of information about the virus and its effects on mental health.
That’s because coronavirus and the social, financial and psychological implications it carries can seriously impact one’s mental wellbeing. Government legislation, mass media coverage, and the increasing global death toll will cause a lot of stress, especially for the older population, children, and people with a history of mental health problems.
It’s of the utmost importance that we try to remain as composed as we can during this time.
The fear and anxiety that is gripping the nation are as contagious, if not more so than the illness itself.
While we are in no way diminishing the severity of the physical and epidemiological worry surrounding coronavirus, it is crucial that everyone has access to mental health resources, and is clued up on how they can look after themselves and their own mental health.
People with pre-existing mental problems should continue to manage and track their mental health. Self-care is vital, and it’s also important to try and reduce the stress for ourselves and others around us.
How Your Mental Health Might be Affected
The coronavirus might affect not only your physical wellbeing but also your mental health. As we might be instructed to stay home due to the pandemic, the mental health symptoms might worsen.
You might notice several mental health issues, such as:
Increased anxiety
Stress
Excessively checking for symptoms
Feelings of irritation
Insecurity
The normal aches will feel like you have the virus
Sleeping troubles
Feelings of helplessness
Check if you show these symptoms and try to control yourself as much as you can.
Everyone Should Take Precautionary Measures
It’s crucial that you take precautions that can prevent you from getting the virus, and spreading it if you already show signs of it.
Here are the precautions that everyone should take at this moment in time:
Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. Also, use hand sanitizer
Stay home if you are sick
Avoid touching your face, especially the mouth and nose areas
Disinfect doorknobs, switches, or any parts of your house that might carry viruses
Design a plan with your family. Try to isolate yourselves from the neighbours as much as possible, and prepare for isolation of the potential ill members
Masks and face coverings are effective, particularly N95 or N99 masks, however, these masks are expensive and contribute to landfill, so don’t get too hung up on the price tag of the mask you use
Protect the elderly
Guidelines are Still Bound to Change
As the scientists are still uncovering the mysteries around the COVID-19 disease, some changes to the guidelines are bound to happen.
The pandemic might take a turn in a different direction, and you should follow the guidelines provided by the medical institutions in your area.
Anxiety Symptoms Mimicking Coronavirus
If you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks often, you might start to think it’s the new coronavirus. Check the symptoms before you start assuming it’s a coronavirus, and try to calm yourself down.
Once you realize that the symptoms of COVID-19 are very much different from those of an anxiety attack, you’ll feel more at ease.
The early signs of COVID-19 are coughing, sore throat, headaches, and fever.
For anxiety attacks, it’s usual to have a racing heartbeat, sweating, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath (which is sometimes also a symptom of coronavirus).
Support for People with OCD and Anxiety
If you or any of your family members suffer from symptoms of anxiety or OCD during coronavirus, contact your personal doctor or a psychiatrist.
They will ask you to assess the situation and evaluate what symptoms you have. As it’s not possible to attend one-on-one sessions at the moment, they might arrange a video call with you or contact you in some other ways.
Mental Health Support Resources
As self-isolation sets in, more people are turning to online and digital resources to help them get through this uncertain period.
Don’t forget that there are plenty of apps for you to download to help keep you in touch with loved ones, and there is a multitude of online self-help resources, guided meditations, home workouts, podcasts, and online articles.
Coronavirus and Substance Abuse
If you’re recovering or suffering from substance abuse disorders, it’s crucial that you continue treatment despite the coronavirus outbreak.
You can get medication delivered to you or you can ask a relative or a friend to collect them for you.
People who suffer from substance abuse disorders are more susceptible to diseases and viruses, and that’s because of the failing immune system and ill-health that’s induced due to the disorder.
Another potential issue for substance abuse sufferers is that they can easily relapse now that they’re forced to stay at home.
Keep yourself busy throughout the day, and read the guidelines above. Stay strong.
This blog has been produced with the kind permission of Boris M. Find out more at:
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