The Corona virus pandemic threatens not only physical health, but also the mental health of every individual. Not only fear, the psychological effects caused can have a serious impact. What mental health disorders can arise and how to overcome them?
The outbreak of Corona virus infection or COVID-19 is increasingly widespread and has infected more than 190 countries, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, the number of positive COVID-19 patients is increasing rapidly.
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
This of course can cause fear and panic. Moreover, the advice to stay at home and the policy social distancing, which is now called physical distancing, more or less creates emotional distance between family, friends, co-workers, friends, or community members in places of worship who can support each other.
For some people, this can be felt as a very big pressure or burden. If not controlled, this pressure will have a negative impact on mental health. Therefore, early examination or mental health screening is important.
Mental Health Disorders During the Corona Virus Pandemic
Mental health disorders that occur during a pandemic can be caused by various things, such as fear of the epidemic, feeling isolated during quarantine, sadness and loneliness due to being away from family or loved ones, anxiety about the needs of daily life, plus confusion due to information provided. mazy.
Not only do these affect people who already have mental health problems, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, they can also affect people who are physically and mentally healthy.
Some groups who are vulnerable to experiencing psychological stress during the Corona virus pandemic are children, the elderly, and medical workers. The stress that lasts during this pandemic can cause disruptions in the form of:
- Excessive fear and anxiety for the safety of yourself and those closest to you
- Changes in sleep patterns, including covid-somnia, and diet
- Bored and stressed from constantly being at home, especially in children
- Difficult to concentrate
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Deteriorating physical health, especially in people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension
- The emergence of psychosomatic disorders
Tips for Maintaining Mental Health During the Corona Virus Pandemic
The following are some things you can do to maintain mental health during the Corona virus pandemic:
1. Doing physical activity
Various light exercises, such as jogging or jumping in place, you can do while undergoing quarantine at home. By doing physical activity, your body will produce endorphins that can relieve stress, reduce worry, and improve health mood You.
Stretching and breathing exercises can also help you relax. Don't forget to bask in the morning sun to boost your immune system.
2. Eat nutritious food
Eat foods that contain protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can get a variety of these nutrients from rice and cereal, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, nuts, and dairy.
Not only to maintain your body's health, adequate nutritional intake can also maintain your mental health, either directly or indirectly.
3. Stop bad habits
If you are a smoker, try to stop this bad habit from now on. Smoking will increase your risk of being infected with germs, including the Corona virus. In addition, limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages can interfere with your physical and mental health.
Bad habits that also need to be stopped are lack of rest or often staying up late. If you don't get enough rest, you will more easily experience anxiety and mood You will also be more unstable.
4. Create your own routine
During quarantine at home, you can do hobbies or activities that you enjoy, such as cooking, reading books, or watching movies. In addition to increasing productivity, these activities can also eliminate boredom.
5. It is wiser to sort information
Limit your time to watch, read, or hear news about the pandemic, whether from television, print media, or social media to reduce anxiety.
Even so, don't completely shut yourself off from important information. Sort the information you receive critically and wisely. Get information about the Corona virus pandemic only from trusted sources.
6. Maintain communication with family and friends
Take the time to communicate with your family, friends, friends and co-workers, whether by text message, phone, or video call. You can share your worries and anxieties. In this way, the pressure you feel can be reduced so that you can be calmer.
If you do have a mental disorder, take medicines that have been prescribed by your doctor regularly. If necessary, check with your doctor regularly so that the doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
It is normal to feel fear and anxiety during a pandemic like this. However, try to always think positively and be grateful. If the stress and fear you experience feels very heavy, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist through the features chat with doctors in the Alodokter app.
Written by:
dr. Andi Marsa Nadhira
