The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our life from many perspectives. Adapting to new social practices, such as social distancing, is challenging for many people. Many people started to struggle with anxiety and depression as a consequence of that social isolation. The fear of illness or death of loved ones can also add more problems to the stressful situation. While it may not seem like it, about 63% of people reported higher anxiety levels during this period, according to a report done by GoodRx. Thankfully, there are many tips for managing COVID-19 anxiety, and we’re going to go over some of them.
What Does the World Health Organization Say About COVID-19 and Mental Health Problems?
According to the WHO, it’s completely normal to feel anxious or stressed during this self-quarantine or self-isolating time. Talking about your feelings with vulnerable people, friends, and family may help relieve some of the distress since you’re going to remember that we’re all going through this period
Additionally, the WHO suggests choosing a limited time to check about coronavirus updates and resources. Checking news about the current situation every five minutes does more harm than good, and it can make you feel even more stressed than before. It’s important to protect your family and friends with the recommended measures, such a wearing masks, washing your hands, and seeking emotional support in a safe space.
What Are Some of the Common Symptoms for COVID-19?
Some of the most common negative effects of this virus include:
- Tiredness
- Loss of Smell or Taste
- Strong fever
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea
- Breathing problems
- Headaches
- Prolonged coughing
What Can I Do to Cope with the Effects of COVID-19 Quarantine?
The primary thing to keep in mind is that you cannot control the pandemic, but you can control how you live around it. Taking care of your mental health is essential if you’re struggling with quarantine.
As mentioned before, there are many ways to cope with the situation and manage stress levels. It all comes down to settling a routine and staying active. Here are some things that you can start doing today if you want to improve your mental wellbeing through these times or help young people or a family member, too:
- Eating Healthier: Eating healthy meals can help you in managing stress. For example, foods rich in magnesium or zinc can help a person feel calmer. People who tend to worry too much about the situation typically start over-eating junk food, which doesn’t help. A well-balanced diet or learning a new recipe can be the key to coping with anxiety /stress and improving your health in general.
- Keeping Good Hygiene: Prevention is the best way to keep away strong feelings of stress. You cannot control how other people keep their hygiene, but you can manage yours. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, following medical guidelines, and keeping enough distance if you’re outside.
- Grabbing Fresh Air: Going for a short walk can do wonders for people’s lives and mental health in general. Avoiding crowds and going for open spaces can help you breathe regular air, which makes you feel calmer. According to WebMD resources, walking can boost your endorphins, which can alleviate mild depression and reduce stress on adults and children in crisis.
- Focus on the Present: It can be hard not to focus on the future considering that everyone’s plans changed due to this virus. However, you must do your best to remind yourself that you’re fine, seeking advice from a professional and daily meditation can help you cope with many of your concerns and getting better sleep at night.
- Seek Credible Sources of Information Only: The situation has brought a lot of fake news portals to light, which aggravates the crisis. Try to seek information from reliable sources, such as the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Maintain Communication with Important People: Even if you cannot be in direct contact with the people you love, one of the most effective ways to maintain communication is to speak by phone or online. You can also find a community online and seek support through phone or video chat. There are many free online apps, such as Skype, that let you talk with many people at the same time. Listening to other people coping with stress, and expressing their feelings also allows you to lend your support to them.
In a worst-case scenario, some people may be feeling suicidal due to the situation, especially if they’re at higher risk of contracting the virus. You need to let them know that they’re not alone and encourage them to seek professional help. Currently, many counsellors offer free services by phone or online. Someone who is depressed can use those channels to find a community and take care of their mental health.
What Should I Do If I Feel Unwell During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The most important thing is not to panic. As soon as you notice any symptoms, find a professional who can help you make sense of those symptoms. After that, make sure you follow all the necessary guidelines to take care of your health. You may also seek support online if you have to stay home for a few weeks.
Bottom Line
Many challenges come with this situation, but it’s not impossible to overcome them. As long as you’re careful and do your best to stay in the present, you’re going to have an easier time with this situation.
Author:admin
