No one could be prepared for such a situation. The presence of COVID-19 changes our way of life in a way we had no way of predicting Quarantine, containment, uncertainty, fear of contagion, economic crisis?There are many variables that we have to deal with, and therefore there is one factor we cannot and should not overlook: protecting our mental health.
From the point of view of psychology, we observe phenomena and behaviors that concern us. On the one hand, we are sensitive to all the people who, long before the pandemic, already lived a complex daily reality (depression, phobias, addictions, generalized anxiety, eating disorders? However, these problems can be intensified in the current context.
- This needs to be taken into account.
- Attention to these problems.
- Remote assistance and intervention mechanisms; on the other hand.
- And not least.
- We are concerned about panic behaviors.
- Compulsive shopping and the effects that kidnapping can have.
- Knowing how long this situation can last and.
- Therefore.
- It is essential to be prepared.
- Allowing us with the right psychological strategies.
Despite all the current complexity and the weight of uncertainty, there is an undeniable fact: human beings are capable of great things. We are highly trained people when it comes to facing small and great challenges, taking things easy, supporting each other and creating appropriate global alliances and commitments, we will be able to solve this situation.
Dr. Irvin David Yalom, a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and a psychotherapist, explains in his book Psychology Existential that, collectively, humans are fundamentally afraid of four things.
The first is to lose control of your reality, the second is the fear of being alone, the third is to doubt yourself and your goals, and the fourth and final one is the fear of death.
One way or another, the presence of COVID-19 generates all these sensations, we are convinced that we are losing control of our reality: the pace of life has changed and we are encouraged not to leave the house, this naturally generates a feeling of isolation and loneliness.
Gradually, if the situation continues, the mind may begin to wonder what the meaning of this and our lives is.
All this can test our psychology and we have to be prepared, let’s be clear: protecting our mental health is as important as fighting the virus, it is essential to take into account these dimensions.
To protect our mental health from coronavirus, there is a first workhorse: controlling fear, it is not about ending fear completely, it is impossible and illogical, as emotion fulfills its function.
It’s just a matter of rationalizing it, preventing it from becoming catastrophic and lead to panic behaviors.
How to deal with fear?
The body is a sensor of fear, a map in which emotions are summarized, a wrap where all worries become pain, tension and exhaustion.
To protect your mental health from coronavirus, you should also take care of your body, providing calm, balance and well-being.
How can I take care of my body to calm my mind?
One of the first things we neglect in stressful situations is personal care, in the current situation it is a priority to follow these recommendations:
We do not know how long the battle against COVID-19 will last, so, in the face of a situation like this, we must learn to stay at home, to live together, to tolerate frustrations, to manage uncertainty. each of us will need to look for day-to-day management strategies to mitigate and address these dimensions.
However, there is one tool that always helps us, that always strengthens us: and this is nothing but emotional nutrition What is this area?
How to work with emotional nutrition
To protect our mental health, we need the support of our loved ones, we must be active agents among ourselves, fostering a variety of behaviors and attitudes:
In conclusion, mental health is a pillar that needs attention in today’s environment, those who were already suffering before the arrival of COVID-19 should not be overlooked, we need to meet our needs, and we do not hesitate to seek specialized assistance if necessary. .
Many professionals continue to work remotely and can offer therapy sessions so we can overcome this crisis with more integrity and tools.
You have to protect yourself, take care of yourself and be able to create a scenario of affection where there is no room for the virus of panic or loneliness.