How to Deal with CORONA Anxiety ?

Author : Dr. Ekta Soni, Chief Clinical Psychologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

India

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New Delhi, April 21, 2020 :

The world is currently facing this pandemic, with cities and countries completely shut down. Panic and anxiety about coronavirus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotional turbulence in adults and children. It is of utmost importance that while we are confined to our homes with minimal face to face interaction with the outer world, our mental peace remains intact. It is normal for people to experience boredom induced anxiety and depression and lingering headaches due to stress.

Stress during this outbreak can include ;

Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Difficulty in concentrating
Deterioration of chronic health problems
Fear and worry about your own health as well as the health of your loved ones
Substance dependence such as increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Tips to support yourself during this pandemic:

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news and surfing social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be overwhelming. Seek information updates at specific times during the day once or twice and that too from government sources.
Do not follow unauthentic facts on the social media channels about the death rates and news regarding how its effecting people as they can be rumours and there can be lack of unverified information about the virus.
Take utmost care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals, exercise often, get sufficient sleep and avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs.
During times of strain, pay extra attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities which you enjoy and find relaxing. Keep things in perspective.
Connect with your near and dear ones and talk about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Take time to talk with your children about coronavirus outbreak. Reassure them that they are safe and also let them know it is okay to feel upset.
Try to keep up with your regular routines. Since the schools are closed, try to create a schedule for learning activities or fun activities for the children

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