Coronavirus Tips: Here's How To Keep Your Mind Free From Stress And Fear During Lockdown

Outbreaks of infectious diseases like the current COVID-19 can be quite scary and can affect our mental health. While staying informed is important, there can be several things you can do to manage our emotional wellbeing during such crises.

Fear and anxiety about the deadly disease can be overwhelming and create strong emotions in adults, young children as well as older adults.

“The issue facing each and every one of us is how we manage and react to the stressful situation unfolding so rapidly in our lives and communities. Here we can draw on the remarkable powers of strength and cooperation that we also, fortunately, possess as humans. And that is what we must try to focus on to respond most effectively to this crisis as individuals, family and community members, friends and colleagues,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Here are a few ways to take care of your mental health during this lockdown period:

1. First off, it is okay to feel overwhelmed or vulnerable while reading news about coronavirus, especially if you have experienced any mental health issue or trauma in the past. It is very important to acknowledge such feelings and remind yourself to take care of your physical as well as mental health.
2. Take a break from following the updates pertaining to COVID-19, including the news stories and social media content. Watching or hearing repeatedly about the pandemic situation and about the people suffering or dying can be really upsetting. Instead, follow or read topics other than coronavirus and keep yourself engaged by watching other interesting and uplifting content on the internet.
3. Stay connected. It is very important to talk with people your trust with your concerns and the way you are feeling. During times of stress, we cannot do without support and company. Stay in touch with your friends and family via telephone, email and other social media. But remember not to sensationalize things or share content pertaining to the disease outbreak. But if at all you do, ensure that you are sharing content from trusted sources only. Remember there might be vulnerable people out there who might simply believe everything they see on social media pages.
4. Avoid speculations and look up reputable sources on information pertaining to COVID-19. Rumor and speculation can fuel anxiety and to help you feel more in control, you need to have access to good quality information about the coronaviruses.
5. Follow the CDC’s advice: “Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs”.