Individuals respond differently to a health crisis. Some people manage to handle the situation with a level head, while some are more fearful than others. As worry eases its way into our lives, peace and calm slowly become things of the past.
The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) took everyone by surprise, leaving little to no room for preparation. Several changes in behavior may be observed over the next few days or weeks, such as changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, and increased worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones. During a time where it seems like the only thing we can do is wait for the COVID-19 crisis to be over, there are ways to make the waiting less stressful.
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to “avoid watching, reading or listening to news that cause you to feel anxious or distressed.” Social media is lauded for its convenience and the ease it brings when it comes to delivering news. However, staying on it for extended periods of time might overwhelm you and make you uncomfortable. Spend your screen time mainly to look for practical information and ideas that will help you plan your next steps and will protect yourself and your loved ones. Make sure to follow only credible sources such as the Department of Health and World Health Organization. Using other forms of media such as newspapers, radio, and TV also helps in filtering information and keeping only the necessary details. Being well-informed prevents further misinterpretation of the news.
A month of staying at home during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) means a month to get to know your family on a deeper level. Take this as an opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. For families with children and teens, it is important to set a good example as they tend to mimic the actions of the adults around them. Show calmness and confidence in the way you are handling the crisis. Engage them in fun activities that can be enjoyed by the entire household. Constantly reassure your children that they are safe and have nothing to worry about.
To be able to care for the people around you, you have to take good care of yourself too. Acknowledge your needs, process your emotions, and understand that it is perfectly normal to experience fear, anxiety, and discomfort. Look for ways to relax and calm yourself, such as exercising regularly, watching your favorite show, or developing a new skill. Practice healthy lifestyle habits by eating a balanced diet, having daily moderate exercises at least 30 minutes a day, and getting at least 7 hours of quality sleep.
In isolation, we learn to appreciate our community. Reach out to your friends and family and make them feel that they are not alone in this. Even just listening to their feelings and experiences will go a long way. Maximize social media and explore new ways on how you can stay connected. Honor your local health workers and frontliners such as security guards and grocery clerks by giving them words of encouragement, and if you are able, support causes and donation drives. Let them know that their work is important, and that they are valued by their community.
The current situation may be far beyond our control but we can choose to respond with compassion and empathy, not only towards our communities but for ourselves as well. One way or another, we are affected by this pandemic and one of the best ways we can get through this is by taking care of each other. (RGRG/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
- World Health Organization (WHO). 6 March 2020. “Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak.”
