Skip to main content

How to Manage Anxiety, Panic, and Isolation During COVID-19 Lockdown

  

Practices To Help Maintain Mental Health During The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lockdown

Since the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many people, even those who have not been infected by the virus, are choosing to quarantine in their homes for the upcoming weeks. Indefinite isolation, panic over scarce resources, and information overload may produce debilitating anxiety and feelings of isolation.

So, you are not alone in this. Millions of people worldwide are self-isolating themselves and are fighting the virus.

Here are some tricks to reduce panic, worry, and loneliness if you're self-isolating or in lockdown:

1. Re-frame your thought pattern from “I am stuck inside” to “I can now focus on my home and myself”

The mandated work-from-home policy is now an opportunity to refocus your attention from the external to the internal. Doing one productive thing each day will certainly lead to a more positive attitude. You may now complete your long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to.

2. Stick to your normal routine

As you stay at home, you may be prone to fall into a lazier lifestyle, which could lead to negative thinking. Wake up and go to bed around the same time as pre-quarantine days, have meals, shower, exercise, etc. Sticking to your normal routine will keep you active and less likely to spiral and it will be easier to readjust again when it’s time to get back to work.

3. Avoid obsessing over epidemic coverage

As you are going to have plenty of time these days, you tend to spend much more time spending in social media and news. Stay up to date on what is happening through authorized sources, while limiting your media exposure.

Avoid watching or listening to news reports 24/7 as this tends to increase anxiety and panic. Take note that children are especially affected by what they hear and see on television.

Look to credible sources for information on the outbreak and ways to meet your basic needs like groceries, toiletries, and medicines.

Do follow Government directives...

4. Keep your home tidy

With all the uncertainty and chaos happening outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable, and clean. A cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy and claustrophobic of your surroundings.

5. Start a new quarantine customary

You will love to do something special during these quarantined days. You can start a daily journal to jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later, or you may consider keeping a journal where you write down things you are grateful for that are going well. You may love to be closer to your aquarium or your indoor plants, or you may start a watercolor painting that you can add to every day.

6. Reach out to your near and dear ones over telephone and digital media

People you trust are one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness in these times. Use telephone, messaging, social media, and video calls to connect with friends, family, and others.

7. Have the Toll Free numbers or Helpline numbers ready and handy. Sign up for emergency alerts via text or email to ensure you get the latest updates.

8. If you need to connect with someone because of an ongoing alcohol or drug problem, consider calling your local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous offices.

9. If you’re worried about physical symptoms you or your loved ones may be experiencing, call your doctor or other health care provider and ask for ways to get their help in case of an emergency.

10. Practice relaxation techniques to calm stress and anxiety - take deep breaths, stretch, do yoga, meditate or pray, or engage in activities you enjoy. These two articles would help you more 👇
Do maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking: You are doing your part to “flatten the curve”…

Everything is not locked down:

Sunshine is not locked down
The Season is not locked down
Relationships are not locked down
Love is not locked down
Family Time is not locked down
Reading is not locked down
Learning is not locked down
Music is not locked down
Devotion is not locked down
Imagination is not locked down
Creativity is not locked down
Conversations are not locked down
Meditation and Prayer are not locked down
Sleeping is not locked down
'Work from Home' is not locked down
Kindness is not locked down
Hope is not locked down

Cherish what you have... Lockdown is an opportunity to do what you always wanted to do.

 MASK is better than VENTILATOR

 HOME is better than ICU

 PREVENTION is better than CURE

 SO BE HAPPY...
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Other Posts

The Mystery of Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health

Edith Bouvier Beale , commonly known as " Little Edie ," was an American socialite and cousin of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In this article, we explore the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, an enigmatic figure whose struggles with mental health captivated public attention. From her affluent upbringing to her seclusion in " Grey Gardens ," we delve into the complexities of Edith Bouvier Beale's mental health journey. Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health: What We Know (and Don't Know) In the realm of intriguing personalities, Edith Bouvier Beale stands out as a complex figure whose life was marked by both glamour and obscurity. While her name might not ring a bell for everyone, her captivating journey, marred by mental health struggles, has left an indelible mark. Let us delve into the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, exploring her early days, her rise to stardom, her decline into isolation, and the profound impact of mental health challenges on...
2 comments
Read more

How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Autism Spectrum Disorder: What You Need to Know

Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) is a complex developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, and they may communicate in ways that are different from most people. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity. Some people with ASD may have mild symptoms that only minimally impact their daily lives, while others may have more severe symptoms that make it difficult to function independently. Despite the challenges that people with ASD face, they can also have many strengths. They may be very intelligent, creative, and have strong attention to detail. With early intervention and appropriate support, many people with ASD can lead happy and fulfilling lives. In this article, I will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder, including the sy...
Post a Comment
Read more