Stress in the times of Coronavirus
How mental health is being affected by coronavirus ?
The enemy of our health physical and mostly mental health is Stress. Stress is the normal response to perceived or unknown threats specially when threat is of a pandemic. The wave of fear among people about a disease which has no cure till date is understandable. Pandemic for us is a war against virus and our role in this pandemic is to keep ourselves and others safe by social distancing. In case anyone is sick and vulnerable for the infection must avoid going to hospitals and order medication online.
And we have heard everyone saying,
' We just have to stay home, it's easy'
But is it really easy? Ask yourself. Over the years Social life has become a greater part of our life and life's seem difficult if we don't go out and interact. After all we are nothing but social beings. Not only people who go to their work or schools but also homemakers and elderly people they often maintain their social life and it is good at some point. Once or twice a year family used to go on vacations for change of air and place.
So one cannot say that lockdown isn't that tough. Surviving with the fear of getting the disease isn't the only worry but realities of working from home, getting unemployed , online classes of children, lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues.The necessary actions which are to be taken for preventing the spread of virus like isolation, social distancing can make people feel lonely thus increasing their stress and anxiety.
Thereby it is important that we look after our mental as well as our physical health to cope up with stress.
How can stress affect your mental health?
Stress in the alarm of pandemic causes the following :
-Sleep disturbances:
It is most common even if it's not a pandemic a person suffers from insomnia due to stress. Stress leads to hormonal changes in our body and often disrupts the biological clock of our body.
-Changed Eating pattern:
Frequently eating not because of apetite but just to pass the time changes our eating pattern and almost everyone of us might have experienced it in this lockdown. It has lead to change in timings of our meals which often affects our health
-Increased use of tobacco , alcohol or drugs
Excessive use of these products has been Witnessed in the lockdown and grieved over alcohol for their unemployment.
-Fear and anxiety
Fear and worry about your health and of your loved ones. You always remain anxious of losing job , worsening of your financial conditions.
-Worsening of chronic health problem
Even a little fever or cough raises an eyebrow and you yourself get scared fearing what if you are infected? Specially in elderly in whom fear raises their blood pressure. Stress also is believed to worsen already inflicted health problems.
- Sadness, anger, or frustration prevails
-Guilt about not being able to perform
How can you cope up with stress in Covid?
- Take care of your friends and your family and just be there for them can relives stress r, but it should be balanced with care for yourself, provide social support not only to your family but your community too.Try to maintain contact by Phone calls or video chats so that they feel less isolated.
- If someone is sick call them, make sure they feel better and if they feel sick just send them medicines after asking a doctor.
- Make yourself busy in reading, cooking painting, writing or music and try avoiding news of the pandemic as it creates more fear.
- Take care of your body by meditating, exercising, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep.
- People who already are suffering from mental condition like depression, schizophrenia are more vulnerable. They should continue with their treatment and must contact their healthcare provider if condition worsens. Medicines can be bought online from online pharmacy store in India.
And most importantly staying away from the rumors regarding the coronavirus will protect you and your loved ones from stigma and stress.
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