A group of cases of pneumonia with an unknown cause started in December 2019. Early this year, the disease was found out to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It would be known as the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this as a pandemic since it has now been spreading worldwide with nearly 500,000 cases and more than 20,000 deaths.
While this occurrence is primarily related to physical health, this also has been linked to stress and anxiety. Though people have different reactions to stressful situations like this, there is no other choice but to cope up with it. People may fall into depression and anxiety as they worry about themselves, their families, businesses, or communities.
Treatments for this kind of situation may vary depending on the severity of the case. Some people can get over with it by simply talking to friends; others may need to be admitted to a facility similar to the one in North Miami Beach where they offer inpatient mental health treatment. Life itself can be stressful, but for people who are dealing with stress and anxiety in these trying times, it can be more challenging.
In what ways then can someone manage their emotions in this time of crisis?
Minimize your time listening to the news.
You need to limit your media consumption to a certain time frame or a specific number of articles. Choose reliable sources of news because some may bring more fear and anxiety. It’s okay to be updated, but make sure you don’t always focus on the negative side of the news. Listen to people as they talk about the virus in a productive way, like how to stay healthy and happy.
Get yourself busy.
As you protect yourself from being infected, you need to observe social distancing and minimize outside activities. This can be the best time to make yourself busy with things you couldn’t do when life was still busy. You can do gardening, decluttering, or trying new dishes for dinner with your family. Also, some free online courses can improve different skills, like photography, baking, or using Photoshop programs. You can look for ways to help communities affected by the pandemic.
Gather facts.
To overcome fear and panic, you should research about the virus. Gather information on how to avoid being infected, boost your immunity, and live the right kind of lifestyle. Take care of yourself, and physical activities like running, biking, or workout. If you’re equipped with enough details, you will feel more relaxed and focused on how you will feel better and live healthier.
Have a support system.
If you’re feeling edgy, finding it hard to focus on what you’re doing, and always checking on the social media for updates and news, you’re not alone. It is good to know that it’s okay to feel anxious about the situation. But there’s nothing better than knowing that you’re not alone and you have other people to share your burden with. Social distancing will not stop you from socializing. You can look for groups of people to confide in. You will learn a lot about how they deal with their emotions.
Seek professional help.
When all else fails, this may be a signal that you’re in a more serious condition. If you feel overwhelmed and symptoms of anxiety are getting worse to the point that you can no longer function normally, it is best to see a doctor.
Being informed on what is going on will help you deal with your emotions. The current situation is a global crisis, but the best thing to do is to take control of yourself. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, eat well, and maintain a positive disposition.
