In addition to its health impacts on a large number of people across the world, the noval coronavirus has disrupted the lives of millions more. People have faced uncertainty over their medical conditions, strict management of their daily lives, social isolation, unemployment, financial constraints, families and other issues.
In addition, doctors, nurses and medical personnel are frightened for themselves and the patients they are treating during the COVID-19 outbreak. Besides physical health effects, this has generated a mental health crisis worldwide. In the face of this pandemic and the turmoil it has caused, psychiatrists suggest guidance for coping with stress while maintaining mental health status.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress especially when people have to deal with crisis moments. The COVID-19 outbreak is extremely stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. In fact, the feeling of being stressed can be typically triggered by an event that makes people feel frustrated or nervous. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry or unease. It can be a reaction to stress. During the pandemic, stress and anxiety are appropriate responses to raise awareness, allowing people to carefully plan and effectively manage the situation.
How to effectively manage stress during the pandemic
People respond to the outbreak differently depending on their background. People who may react more strongly to the stress include older people with chronic diseases, medical responders such as doctors, nurses and other health care providers as well as patients who have mental health conditions, including problems with substance abuse. Nevertheless, everyone can face cumulative stress while dealing with the situation. These recommendations significantly help to manage stress associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Stay informed but calm and do not panic
Being excessively stressed can lead to long-term effects, including feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, resulting in inappropriate decision-making and responses such as intentional self-harm, suicidal thoughts, resignation, relationship problems with friends and family and impaired judgement as well as risk-taking behaviors. It is highly recommended not to make any important decision during this moment. Only continuing daily life with extra care and staying away from infections are crucial.
Know the facts to help reduce stress
Excessive consumption of news on the pandemic must be avoided. Checking updates only once a day is sufficient to prevent overwhelming feelings. Taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to stories, including social media, is advised. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. In fact, sharing accurate information about COVID-19 obtained from reliable resources can make an outbreak less stressful.
Comply with preventive measures and disease control policy instructed by health authorities
Instructions and measures announced by health authorities and government must be strictly followed. These include personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks and avoiding exposure to endemic areas or suspected cases.
Take care of your mental health
Besides physical health and well-being, but mental health should also be a priority. Warning signs of mental illness must be closely watched for such as feeling depressed or hopeless, sleep disturbance, changes in eating patterns, emotional fluctuation and increased alcohol intake. If any abnormal signs are present, medical assistance should be provided as soon as possible. Delayed consultation may result in chronic stress with long-term health impacts. People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatments and be aware of new or worsening symptoms that might arise.
Make time to unwind
Although this crisis limits the freedom and flexibility of our lives, to get rid of stress, people should continue living as normally as possible. If boredom develops during a 14-day quarantine time, some joyful activities should be considered. In addition, healthy habits should be regularly maintained.
Manage stress via E-Mental Health Program
E-Mental Health Program leveraging internet and related technologies such as smartphone apps, web sites and social media helps to deliver mental care services with ease and convenience. For people who are at risk of developing mental health conditions, medical advice should also be sought in order to receive appropriate treatment.
Source: Dr. Apisamai Srirangson, Director of Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, Bangkok Hospital
