Coronavirus has plunged the world into uncertainty, and the continuing news of the pandemic can sometimes be "ruthless". All of this certainly affects the mental health of people facing disorders such as anxiety for example.
Being concerned about what is happening is understandable, but it should not be overlooked that the way the pandemic is treated can exacerbate mental health problems.
Fear that you may not have the situation under control or that you may be unable to cope with difficulties is one of the most common elements of anxiety disorders.
So how can we protect our mental health?
Limit the news and be careful what you read
Reading a lot of news about coronavirus has made people panic attack. Staying away from websites - whose resources are not secure - has a positive impact on mental health. Information is important, of course, but be selective about what and where to read.
Another important point is limiting the time spent on social networks. If you are not feeling well, avoid these platforms.
Wash your hands - but do not overdo it
For people suffering from OCD or types of anxiety, listening to "wash your hands" can be difficult.
Lily Bailey, author of a book on OCD, says that "hand washing can be an incentive for people who have long sought to control OCD."
Stay in touch with people
Now is the perfect time to get in touch with people. Be sure to reach out and talk. We are all experiencing the same thing, so the situation is somewhat manageable. Try to be productive. Read. Cook. Dancing. Do all that brings you into the mood.
We need the sun
Make sure you feel the sunlight fall on your face (Caution: Put on SPF). The brain needs sun, so go out to the window / balcony and enjoy an orange juice. Do exercise. Eat well and stay hydrated.
Anxiety specialists suggest that:
1. Acknowledge the uncertainty you are experiencing and do not think long.
2. Don't react. Just relax and breathe.
3. Don't believe everything you think. Thoughts are not facts. Convince yourself you can.
4. Don't try harder than you have to block thoughts. Let them flow. It is not necessary to give an answer. Everything will pass.
5. Focus on the present. Notice the breathing, the sensations. Look at the things you can touch, hear or smell. For now, focus on these things. Don't distract the thought elsewhere.
Adapted from the BBC
