In January 2020, WHO declared International Concern at the outbreak of the Coronavirus. In March 2020, it declared it a pandemic, since it had spread worldwide.
WHO and public health officials, including India, are on a war footing, trying to contain the spread, and find an effective treatment n vaccine. In the meanwhile however, people are much stressed and anxious with the new way of living. The WHO’s Department of MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE has come up with some considerations for people of different groups.
Since Covid 19 can affect people of any nationality, religion, or ethnic background, all the affected people need our support, compassion and kindness. We should not stigmatize such people. To avoid being anxious or scared, people are encouraged to talk to those they trust, amongst family and friends. From having to restrict their outdoor activities, including attending the Eucharistic celebrations, to restricting visits to family and friends, and staying at home, this has only increased their anxiety.
Since you must stay at home now, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Choose healthy foods and eat well. Include physical exercise in your daily routine and sleep well. Be supportive to family and friends by email and phone. Avoid use of alcohol, smoking or other drugs to deal with your emotions. Draw up a plan in case of physical or mental health needs, on where to go for help, and how to seek help.
Limit worry and anxiety by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage on the situation, especially if it’s upsetting you. Rather, get the facts and information from reliable and credible sources, such as the WHO website, and local and state public health platforms.
Hone your forgotten skills, and try out new ones.
Tell of people who have recovered and of those who helped others recover. Amplify such stories, it restores confidence. Honor all caretakers and health care workers. Acknowledge the part they play in saving us and keeping us and our loved ones safe.
Ensure essential medications are in sufficient supply, especially for those with long term mental health problems, epilepsy, and other chronic diseases.
Lastly, now’s the time to increase your prayer time and grow spiritually. Jesus is the rock on which we have built our mansion, let the floods come, we are prepared for it.
If you are still anxious, talk to a health worker or a counselor.
Where children are concerned, help them express their emotions of fear or sadness in a safe and supportive environment. Encourage them to take part in any creative activity, sports or hobby. They may be more demanding on their parents and elders, thereby seeking more attention. Discuss the Covid situation with your child, and depending on his age, help him address his fears and concerns if any.
Older adults, especially those in isolation/quarantine, may become anxious, angry, depressed or withdrawn. Explain the facts as simply as possible, about what is going on, and how measures are being taken to reduce risk of infection. Repeat this information whenever necessary. Help them practice preventive measures like hand washing, wearing masks etc. the right way. Provide them with practical knowledge in advance, on how to call for a cab, and for food and medicines to be delivered. Teach them to maintain regular schedules in physical exercise, to eat well, sleep well, cleaning, and reading, painting, singing or any hobby.
Healthcare workers will certainly feel the stress of working tirelessly during these times. The community understands your priceless contribution to society. Nothing we say or do, can ever alleviate your feelings of stress, isolation and emotional distress that you must be going through. And we salute you for your sacrifice, for the well-being of the community, often risking your own lives.
These are challenging times, no doubt, but we are all in it together. So let’s face this situation together as a responsible community, each one doing his part, doing his best, to contain the spread of the virus.
Dr. Prisca Dias