The coronavirus epidemic, which emerged in late 2019 and whose effects have been increasing since the day it was mentioned, is causing difficult times for the whole world.
Moreover, we know that it is with us now. I hope these difficult days, which push people to plunder markets and where we forget to treat others humanely when necessary, will end as soon as possible. We read and learned about the virus and the disease it causes (COVID-19), we were informed about ways to protect ourselves, we washed our hands and continue to do so. Schools were closed, mass organizations and congresses were cancelled, and necessary precautions were taken. We are aware that we also have individual responsibilities in this process, but we fell into a state of social panic, stuck in the dense news network of social media. So, will this state of intense anxiety and panic help us?
First of all, as a psychiatrist, I must state that I see that the complaints of patients receiving treatment for health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder are increasing. Those who have the illusion that they have a fever while listening to the news, those who have panic attacks, and those who want to have unnecessary tests while trying to cope with this stress are having a hard time. Human relationships can also be damaged by our anxiety, because even if someone sneezes or coughs next to us, we look for a place to escape, we criticize, and we can behave in a way that contradicts our human values. When I see what anxiety can do to a person, these words of Psychiatrist Rollo May come to my mind: “Normal constructive anxiety goes with awareness of possibilities and taking them on. If I have the prospect and opportunity to mobilize my powers, I advance. But if anxiety becomes stifling, the possibilities for action are erased.” Therefore, when we step out of constructive anxiety, we lose our normal ability to act. We become mistaken and inhibited in correctly perceiving the danger and planning what we can do, and we even forget what we know. Over time, our hopes may disappear. However, how will we get through this period healthily without hope?
If this is a world epidemic, we know that we will all encounter the virus eventually. Being able to access correct information, learning how to act from competent sources (Turkish Medical Association, Turkish (such as the Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, etc.) are very important because, due to the technological opportunities, social media and news sources we have, you may encounter information and images that increase your stress. Try not to be too exposed to these sources; getting information from experts on the subject will help you access the correct information. Of course, you can ask for help by paying attention to hygienic rules, eating regularly, taking care of your sleep, trying to live at more basic levels, and sharing your fears and concerns with other people. Remember that stress is a strong factor known to damage the immune system, and your immune system will support you during this period, take care of it.
Taking individual precautions and fulfilling responsibilities will help us get through this process in unity and solidarity instead of labeling each other as a society. The state of panic we experience may cause us to make wrong decisions, and our ties with the people around us may be damaged. It is important to protect our mental health as well as protecting ourselves from the virus. While continuing our daily lives, let's protect our human values and take the necessary precautions. Best regards…
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