Maintaining Mental Health During the Corona Virus Pandemic

Corona virus pandemic not only threatens physical health, but also the mental health of every individual. Not only fear, psychological effects can also have a serious impact. What mental health disorders can arise and how to overcome them?

The epidemic of Corona virus infection or COVID-19 is widespread and has spread to more than 190 countries, including Indonesia. In Indonesia alone, the number of COVID-19 positive patients is growing rapidly.

This certainly can cause fear and panic. Moreover, the suggestion to stay at home and the policy of social distancing, which is now called physical distancing, more or less creates emotional distance between family, friends, coworkers, friends, or fellowship in places of worship that can provide mutual support.

For some people, this can be felt as an enormous pressure or burden. If not controlled, the pressure will negatively impact mental health.

Mental Health Disorders When Corona Virus Pandemic

Mental health disorders that occur during a pandemic can be caused by various things, such as fear of epidemics, feelings of isolation while undergoing quarantine, sadness and loneliness due to being far from family or loved ones, anxiety about the necessities of daily life, plus the confusion due to confusing information.

These things not only affect people who already have mental health problems, such as depression or general anxiety disorders, but can also affect people who are physically and mentally healthy.

Some groups are vulnerable to psychological stress during the Corona virus pandemic were children, the elderly, and medics. Pressure that occurs during this pandemic can cause disruption in the form of:

• Excessive fear and anxiety for the safety of yourself and those closest to
• Changes in sleep and eating patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Deteriorating physical health, especially in sufferers of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension
• Emerging disorders psychosomatic

Tips for Maintaining Mental Health During the Corona Virus Pandemic

Following are some things you can do to maintain mental health during a virus pandemic Corona:

1. Doing physical activity

Various light sports, such as jogging or jumping on the spot, you can do during quarantine at home. By doing physical activity, your body will produce endorphins that can relieve stress, reduce worry, and improve your mood.

Stretching and breathing exercises can also help you to calm yourself . Don't forget to bask in the morning sun to boost the immune system.

2. Eat nutritious foods

Eat foods that contain protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can get these various nutrients from rice and cereals, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, nuts, and milk.

Not only to maintain the health of your body , adequate nutrition can also maintain your mental health, both directly and indirectly.

3. Stop bad habits

If you are a smoker, try to stop these bad habits from now on. Smoking will increase your risk of getting infected with germs, including Corona virus. In addition, also limit the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

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 frequent staying up late. If you don't get enough rest, you will more easily experience anxiety and your mood will be more unstable.

4. Make your own routine

During quarantine at home, you can do hobbies or activities that you like, such as cooking, reading books, or watching movies. In addition to increasing productivity, these activities can also eliminate boredom.

5. It is wise to sort out information

Limit your time watching, reading, or hearing news about a pandemic, whether from television, print or social media to reduce anxiety.

Even so, do not close yourself completely from important information. Sort out 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 time to communicate with your family, friends, friends and coworkers, either via text message, telephone, or video call . You can tell the worries and anxieties that you feel. In this way, the pressure you feel can be reduced so that you can be calmer.

If you do have a mental disorder, take medication that your doctor has prescribed routinely. If necessary, check with your doctor regularly so your doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.

Fear and anxiety are normal during a pandemic like this. However, try to always think positive and grateful. If the stress and fear that you experience feels very heavy, do not hesitate to consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist through the chat feature with a doctor in the Alodokter application.

Written by:

Andi Marsa Nadhira

Label : Health cat_Health