The COVID-19 epidemic, which affects the whole world, affects our psychological health as well as our physical health. Humanity is faced with a new situation and has to cope with this situation that it has not known before. Naturally, this epidemic disease negatively affects the psychology of millions of people. We generally observe that a reaction develops in two directions: either underestimating the disease or intense anxiety and panic. The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is a stress factor for both people and communities. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming and cause intense emotions in adults and children. We need to take some precautions to minimize the psychological effects that may arise during and after this process.
First of all, we can state that it is normal for the situation we are in to cause stress and anxiety. Fundamentally, all people need a sense of security. We want to feel safe. The habits of our daily lives and the way we live make us feel safe without even thinking about this feeling. Even though we know that some dangers are around us, we create situations in which we will be essentially safe. The coronavirus epidemic causes us to experience that there is a concrete danger outside, which appears suddenly, that we have not encountered before and brings with it many changes in our daily lives. In our daily life, at work, at school, in the market, in cafes, etc. The knowledge that we are in danger has shaken our basic sense of security. Therefore, it is a normal reaction to feel stressed and anxious. Everyone can react differently to stressful situations. The reaction to an ambiguous situation, its emotional impact on the person, may depend on the person's characteristics and experiences. The most important psychological effect of the process is; It is the manifestation of a deep sense of insecurity and anxiety. The feeling of uncertainty also plays a big part here. The situation that distresses and worries people the most psychologically is usually uncertainty. The situation that people find most difficult to endure is uncertainty.
How can we take precautions against all these negative situations and protect our physical and psychological health?
-
Repeat images and news about the epidemic in the media. Re-watching may increase the distress felt. It is not right to use social media as a source of news. Getting information from reliable sources makes us feel safe and avoids false or exaggerated news. In this process, it will be sufficient to get general information and apply it.
-
We should all try to cope with stress in this process. We must continue to communicate with our family, relatives and friends, even over the internet or by phone. We can make time for hobbies that we cannot find time for or acquire new hobbies. By focusing more on the process, we can see it as an opportunity to read, learn and improve ourselves on subjects we are interested in.
-
It is important to avoid changes in sleeping or eating patterns. Healthy nutrition, physical activity and regular sleep also protect our psychological health. We should also be careful not to increase the use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine or other drugs.
-
This situation will pass, we must remind ourselves of this often. We must take time for ourselves to relax. It will be useful to do other activities we enjoy in order to return to our normal life. You can share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. You can request help if necessary.
-
Have hope and think positive. Thinking negatively will not help you or your environment during an already difficult process.
How can we help children?
One of the things that families should do in this regard is to convey to children correctly that this is a process that can be experienced. , would be to talk to them about the COVID-19 pandemic. Answer questions about coronavirus in ways your child can understand and share facts in a non-dramatic way. Answer the questions in their minds by making them feel safe. If they feel upset and distressed, point out that there is nothing wrong with that. Express frequently that you are safe and that they are safe too. State that you understand them. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so they can learn how to cope from you. �in. You are the most important role model for children. If you deal with it calmly and safely, they will feel safe too.
You can tell children that they can communicate with their friends and enter social environments when the time is right. It has become necessary to use technology and internet tools in this period. You should allow them to use technology to communicate with their friends through remote monitoring and without giving up full control within certain limits. Because they miss their friends and it is very important for them to share their feelings with their friends. Knowing that all their friends experience similar feelings will normalize the process for them.
This process as all humanity; Hoping that we can get through this in good health, with minimal losses, by supporting each other, with goodness, and with the power of unity and solidarity.
Read: 0
