SHARE

Coronavirus: When anxiety becomes viral

We are experiencing a unique moment in our lives, only comparable to a storm.

The new coronavirus (Sars-Cov-2) has brought major changes in the daily routines of millions of people around the world. And in like every single major change we face, time is needed for adapting.

Every day, we look forward to knowing the numbers, the measures that will be imposed on us, how long this unique and indelible moment will last. It is therefore only natural that we begin to feel frightened, anxious, sad, angry, among other things.

Preparing family for social isolation

Even in the quietest times, the human being tends to deal badly with events that go against his/her expectations. What we are sharing here is not only directed to children, but mostly to the parents, who have to combine their work routines with their kids, since schools are closed, and kids are at home.

It is natural that the little ones start to get frightened and do not understand the situation very well, as we all, in fact. Separated from their friends, Kids start to spend most of the time with their siblings, unable to do hard physical activity, which is so important in their routine. All these changes may also lead to tantrums, sulks, fights between siblings, uncomfortable questions, and also to moments of anxiety, a lot of anxiety.

Tips to overcome family quarantine

To try to maintain proper mental health, it is essential that you take some measures in your home.

  1. Maintain a routine

    Try to maintain your routine, wake-up or mealtimes. Eating healthily and getting exercise within the recommendations given by health authorities help us to control stress.

  2. Stay informed, but moderately

    Avoid reading, hearing or seeing news that makes you anxious or distressed. These days there has been a lot of false and alarming information shared that does not help the authorities and spreads fear and panic among people. Do not share information that is not confirmed.

  3. Be positive

    Share positive stories. The positive stories and the work of the many hundreds of health professionals who every day give their all to overcome the storm, helping people affected by VOCID-19 on a daily basis, should be recognized and shared.

  4. Stay active

    It is important to find positive ways to express negative feelings, such as fear or sadness. Develop activities that stimulate the creativity of the little ones, such as drawing or painting. Also promote family afternoons, accompanied by family games, in order to facilitate communication between parents and children and create a safe environment.

  5. No man is an island

    Even with all the restrictions of social contact, it is important to promote interaction with other people through telephone calls or online applications. People in isolation should maintain their social contacts, either online or via mobile phone.

Be sure you follow the all recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus and try to be as adaptive as possible to the period we are living. Remember: the storm will end.

Take a deep breath and take care of yourself and yours.