We are all advised to stay at home, and almost everything is in lockdown. This is due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and it is very stressful. People are worried, angry, fearful, and anxious all at the same time. This can seriously take a toll on one’s mental health, not just for the adults but also for kids and teenagers.
But we need to cope, and we have to cope since it is all we can do at this point if we want to survive and win over this pandemic. It will make you your loved ones, and friends within the community much stronger during this trying time.
Just for information, people can feel stressed when there is an infectious disease outbreak:
- They would feel distressed and worried about their health and think that they have the symptoms.
- Their sleeping and eating patterns will undoubtedly change.
- They will have problems with focus, concentration, and sleep.
- Some who have existing physical and mental health problems might experience it more.
- Others will drink alcohol incessantly, smoke nonstop, or, worse, use dangerous drugs to ease their anxiety.
The situations mentioned above are real, and it could happen to any of us. But as much as we can, we should steer clear from negative actions and focus on the positive. I know, I know. It is difficult, but do we let COVID-19 ruin our lives? NO. We have to fight.
How do we respond accordingly at this time? How can we help ourselves, our loved ones, and our community? At this time, people with these characteristics are stressed due to the pandemic, the quarantine, and lockdown. How do we help them?
- Senior citizens may become too worrisome since they are the ones who can contract the virus quickly.
- Parents of young children and weak immune system kids are also in a panic.
- Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, the frontliners, and their families are not just stress. THEY ARE HORRIFIED.
- People with drug abuse issues may become more paranoid at this time.
How can we help? If you have a family member or loved one mentioned above, all we can do now is to understand them and then try to calm them down. How can we do that? How do we cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression brought about by this pandemic?
You can help yourself and others by doing this:
- Make a movie schedule for the family, but do not do it all day and night.
- You must include reading in your waking hours, at least thirty minutes. Impose reading time with your kids, as well.
- For bonding time with your kids, read a short story together. It won’t last for more than 15 minutes, and you can talk about it. This will enhance their imagination, and it will be good for you both.
- Enjoy the benefits of social media like posting positive quotes or images, video calling your family and friends, and playing games (here are some great games you might enjoy: https://www.familyhype.com/children/childrens-products/games/playstation/what-are-the-best-ps4-games-for-kids.html).
- Stop watching depressing news. Just get the figures once a day – much better if you get the statistics on recovered patients and flattening the curve.
- Meditate, stretch, and do yoga. It will be good for your mind and body.
- Prepare meals that are healthy and natural as you minimize foods that are processed and full of carbs, salt, and sugar.
- Sleep well and, as much as possible, sleep at night and not in the mornings.
- Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Remind your loved ones about this.
- That’s the primary purpose of social media apps now.
If you feel too overwhelmed and that trying to cope on your own is too much to bear, then, tell your loved one about how you feel. You have to talk to a therapist or a counselor so that the stress, anxiety, or depression that you are experiencing will be curbed. This can be done online.
BetterHelp is that online solution for you. They have a many counselors who can assist your ailing heart.
The pandemic will ultimately stop. As for when we do not know. And for that, we have to help ourselves and do what we must. We have to survive this.