18 May 2020 – With the ongoing battle with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the disease has disrupted the normal setup of our day to day living—movements are restricted, employees work from home, some undergo temporary unemployment and physical contact with families and acquaintances is lacking. And in facing the uncertainties of our current setting, many are anxious, stressed, afraid and worried.
According to the World Health Organization, fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown.
Added to the fear of contracting the virus in a pandemic such as COVID-19 are the significant changes to our daily lives, it is important that we look after our mental, as well as our physical, health.
Learn ways to cope during this pandemic below:
- Media breaks and manage screen times
Take breaks from the news that make you feel distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed. Also, be wary of how much time you spend in front of your gadgets every day.
- Maintain social contacts
Talk to your family and friends through SMS, cellphone calls or video calls. Talking to people you trust can help manage your stress.
- Food
Eat healthy foods to sustain your needs and boost your immune system to fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Proper nutrition is associated with mental health, too. Read more on how to strengthen the immune system through foods here.
- Deep breaths
Take deep breaths, exercise, or meditate to feel relaxed.
- Do what you love
Try to do some other indoor activities or hobbies. Make time to do things that you enjoy.
- Power of positive thinking
Maintain positive thinking. Keeping a positive mindset can go a long way in managing through this stressful situation.
In addition, the Department of Health, Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM) provides during this emergency a psychosocial first aid and support system through its “Kamusta Ka?” hotline services to loosen up the mental pressure experienced by residents in Region 10. The “Kamusta ka?” hotline services are available 24/7 and is manned by DOH’s mental health experts or psychiatrist. As the situation in the coming months is still unsure, DOH CHD-NM makes sure the hotlines are able to give the people the psychological support they need and to talk about their mental health. The “Kamusta Ka?” can be reached through calls, text messages or direct messages in their Facebook Page, DOH NorMin Kamusta Ka. Hotlines are the following: 0997-359-0888, 0965-055-6777, 0965-835-6888.
Learn and share the correct and important facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of rumors. When you share accurate information about COVID-19, you can help make people feel less stressed, make a connection with them, and help stop stigma. (PHA John Paul D. Navarro)
