Hyderabad(Telangana): The entire world is facing the deadly pandemic and it is indeed a difficult time for all of us to handle the spread of COVID-19. To tackle COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 21-day nationwide lockdown starting from March 25 which is meant to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, to protect ourselves and others.
Lockdown means not stepping out of the house except for buying necessities, reducing the number of trips outside, and ideally only a single, healthy family member making the trips when absolutely necessary. If there is anyone in the house who is very sick and may need to get medical help, one must be aware of the health facility available near to them. Lockdown can be utilised in a various ways to keep oneself positive and cheerful. It can turn out to boring and restricting at times but staying at home can be interesting at times.
Utilising lockdown period
By keeping a busy schedule can help in this period one can engage oneself in doing some work at home. Listening to music, reading, watching an entertaining programme on television can help avoid negative thoughts. Every day we hear about new coronavirus cases through television, social media, newspapers, family and friends and other sources which are bound to make the situation fearful. It can make us anxious, panicky and can even possibly make us think, say or do things that we might not consider appropriate under normal circumstances.
To keep oneself optimistic and buoyant, people can rediscover hobbies like painting, gardening or stitching. Taking care of health is equally important and one must eat well and drink plenty of fluids. But at the same time, it's necessary to be physically active by doing simple indoor exercises.
At this crucial hour, we also need to understand the needs and desires of others. If someone around us needs advice food or other essentials we must be willing to share.
Special care and attention must be given to elderly people who feel confused, lost and may need help. We can offer them help by getting them what they need, their medicines, daily needs etc. Lockdown period can be of great help for children and they can acquire new skills. Children can be kept busy at home and should be allowed to participate in household chores.
YES to facts and NO to rumours
With more cases of COVID-19 popping up, there is a flood of misinformation and fake news making rounds on social media. The more you know about a certain issue, the less fearful you may feel. One must make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information for self-protection.
To keep oneself updated, one must not follow sensational news or social media posts which may impact your mental state. Sharing and spreading any unverified news should be avoided.
In tough situations, one must try to be positive and think the same. Instead of discussing all the time who got sick, one must learn about who got well and recovered. Sticking to known advice- hand hygiene and keeping a physical distance from others will also help. This will not only help an individual to be careful but others can be cautious too.
To fight against COVID-19, one must know the adequate symptoms of the disease which have been well described by many medical experts. Etiquette of sneezing, coughing, avoiding spitting in public places should be followed. However, in most people, the corona infection causes mild symptoms and the person only needs to follow social distancing till he/she stops being infective, usually 2 weeks. Mild infection does not require a person to be admitted in the hospital. Only people who have breathing difficulties need to be in the hospital in which most people recover.
Keep calm and communicate
In such situations, emotional problems will occur but following certain tips can help a lot. At times of anxiety, practice breathing slowly for a few minutes. One should try and distance the thoughts that make a person anxious. Thinking something calm and serene can slow down one's mind. In case one feels angry and irritated, counting back from 10 to 1 can calm one's mind.
Communication is the key to many problems when an individual is feeling lonely or sad. Communication can help you to connect with family and friends and speaking to long lost friends and relatives can also help. Calling up people whom you haven’t spoken in a while and discussing happy events, common interests, cooking tips and music interests can give peace.
However, in case, if feelings worsen and one starts feeling helpless and hopeless calling at helpline number (080-46110007) for advice from a mental health professional or a doctor can help a lot.
Seek Medical help if necessary!
One should also keep in mind that during the lockdown period consumption of alcohol and tobacco is not an option if boredom strikes. Use of tobacco or alcohol or other drugs to cope with emotions or boredom can worsen physical, mental health and reduce immunity. People who already have a substance use problem may require professional help, especially when they feel low in mood or stressed.
If a person suffers from a COVID infection, treat them proper care and concern. It's important to maintain a physical distance and keep oneself safe to prevent such infection but without shunning and judging people. If one is aware of someone who might have the infection, tell them about precautions, and how to get medical assistance, if required.
There is no need to panic if one develops mild symptoms. Practising self-isolation and taking medications that are advised will help in speedy recovery.
Handling Emotional issues after recovery
While it is wonderful to recover from COVID infection, one may face stress after recovering and may wish to get back into the community. It's bound to get worried about your loved ones falling ill. In rare cases, people may fail to understand the illness well may actually keep an individual at a distance, which is also very stressful and isolating. In such situations, keeping calm and caring for others is the best solution.
Depression, helplessness or frustration can happen if one starts feeling guilty. Sharing positive stories of recovering from infection can comfort others.
Recognising mental health problems of your near and dear ones as your own is important and is the need of the hour. People should be sensitive and empathetic if problems of changes in sleep patterns, difficulty in sleeping and concentrating, worsening of health problems and increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Being supportive and providing a helpline number (080- 46110007) of a doctor or a mental health professional will come as a great relief.
Challenges during self-isolation
Persons who had previous mental illness may face newer challenges during self-isolation or COVID infection. They would also have the same fears and stress as others which may worsen their previous mental health condition. Social isolation may make them more withdrawn, moody and irritable
If a person doesn't have easy access to medicines and counselling, help and support are vital for them. Health helplines can provide support, in addition to the regular taking of prescribed medication, a regular daily routine, keeping engaged and positive.
Remember, good mental status in the difficult times may win you the battle more easily!
