The outbreak of the coronavirus virus in 2019, also known as COVID 19, without a doubt took the world by shock as it spread to different continents in a short while. It is often natural for individuals and communities to feel worried, anxious, and stressed.
Unfortunately, anxiety and fear about a disease are not only overwhelming; they can also have a negative effect on the emotions of both children and adults. Although people react differently when stressed, the impact will also depend on the individual’s experiences, economic and social state.
Generally, people get stressed from hearing and seeing reports about the COVID-19 outbreak and as such, taking care of your mental health is essential. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress will help to protect you and those around you.
Who is likely to Respond to the Stress of a Pandemic?
Even though everyone can respond to stress during a pandemic, the following categories of people stand a higher risk.
Children
People with underlying health conditions Elderly people Health workers and others who are actively involved in curtailing the pandemic. Smokers and those addicted to other substance abuse.
Symptoms of Stress of Pandemic
During a pandemic such as COVID-19, individuals are likely to experience the following symptoms:
Nightmares and difficulty sleeping
Feelings of anger, worry, anxiety, frustration, or fear
Lack of appetite
Increased intake of alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances.
Worsening health conditions
Headaches, skin irritation, stomach problems, and body pains
Lack of concentration
Healthy Tips to Support Your Mental Health During a Pandemic. Although we might not be able to prevent a pandemic, we can help to keep our mental and physical health in good shape during the pandemic. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and in good condition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Take Breaks
Even though it is good to stay informed, we recommend that you take breaks from reading, listening, or watching news and stories relating to the pandemic. It might be necessary to break from social media since it will also be flooded with information and stories about the pandemic. On the other hand, engage in other activities such as meditation, stretching, games, and other things you enjoy to keep you hopeful and positive-minded.
Connect With Others
There is always the likelihood of wanting to isolate yourself and avoid people in times of a pandemic. However, it is helpful to talk to friends and family you trust. Share your fears, concerns, worries, and how you feel about them. Make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy relationship with others as it will help to make you feel better and hopeful.
Take Care of your Physical Body
The state of your physical body plays a crucial role in determining your mental health. As a result, ensure you exercise regularly, eat healthy diets, avoid alcohol, avoid smoking, eat at the right time and rest well.
We recommend that you continue with the routine preventive measures provided by the relevant authorities and also get vaccinated when available. Such actions will help to improve your mental health and get you strong during the pandemic.
Stay Informed
Yes, you read that correctly. Even though we have advised that you take breaks from the news and social media where necessary, a lack of correct information can also make you feel nervous and stressed. It is good to read, listen and watch the news during the pandemic to learn about the progress being made. However, ensure you look for out only information from reliable sources to and public health authorities.
Seek Help When Necessary
If you find yourself constantly experiencing stress symptoms such as anger, anxiety, or nervousness regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to seek help from a mental health center or health care professionals. You can seek help from counseling service providers such as In Focus counseling services when necessary.
Conclusion
In all, pandemics come with different effects on both individuals and communities. Although it is difficult to prevent a pandemic, you can make efforts to protect yourself and your mental health from the impact of the pandemic.