Mental Health And Covid | Ways To Cope With The Impact Of Covid On Mental Health
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Mental health during covid has been an under-realized topic of concern during the pandemic Covid has claimed the lives of millions across the globe. During this difficult time of covid -19, people are experiencing fear of contracting the virus. It is important to take necessary precautions and work on not only our physical health but more importantly mental health. According to a study poor mental health could increase susceptibility to infection and transmission of the virus.
The stigma associated with the disease has scared everyone. The feelings of uncertainty in a period of social crisis filled people with fear, anxiety, stress, and worry. People have started to hide their COVID-19 status as they feel anxious to talk about it. Fear of stigma is stopping people to seek medical help during early symptoms. People are feeling rejected and isolated. They are scared to be tested in fear of being quarantined and homes being boarded up.
Lockdown was implemented to contain and slow down the spread of the virus. It was not possible to continue the same for an extended period of time. This was due to the economic slowdown and jobs of many people at risk. This resulted in people adapting and learning to live despite the pandemic.
Covid has changed our life to a great extent. Work from home, homeschooling, and online classes for children being the new realities of changing times. Our movements are restricted and our social life has come to a standstill. The social distancing in this period is making people feel isolated. There are fewer gatherings and social occasions where we meet other family members, friends, and colleagues. We are social beings and with all these changes it is important that we take care of our physical and mental health.
Schedule your day
A proper routine in place with a to-do list will help avoid boredom and any physiological issues like stress and anxiety
Connect with others
During this time staying in touch with near and dear through video call or chat can reduce the feeling of loneliness and make you feel emotionally better.
Meditate
Take deep breaths or stretching to improve focus and concentration.
Eat healthy well-balanced food
Eating nutritious food and anti-inflammatory food will boost your immune system and protect you from diseases.
Make time to unwind
Take enough mental breaks. Take some sunshine or go for a walk.
Exercise Regularly
In this time when most of our time is spent indoors, it’s important that we take time out for exercise. Exercise will make your body fit.
Get plenty of sleep
A good night’s sleep is important to rejuvenate our body and mind. Stick to a proper sleep schedule.
Emotional needs
Through effective communication seek the help of family and friends and talk about your emotional needs.
Take up a hobby
It is important to engage ourselves and once again take up the long-forgotten hobbies and interests you used to pursue. This may be singing, dancing, knitting, or pottery. This will give you pleasure and relax your body and mind.
It is also important to impart health education through online platforms about the social fears associated with covid. The stigma and discrimination associated with the disease need to be addressed correctly. Covid is a viral infection and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
To recover from the COVID-19 pandemic will require the development of effective vaccines. The psychological impact of fear and anxiety due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 needs to be clearly recognized as a public health priority. Rapid behavioral strategies should be adopted to reduce the burden of the disease and the dramatic mental health consequences of this outbreak.
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