Deepa Regmi, Kathmandu. Most of us are aware that stress is an increasing problem for us. People tell us they’re stressed out from greater work load and having to work longer hours, some talk about the lack of job stability and non-payment for the job due to pandemic, some says that it is stress due to isolation and non-gathering of peoples so it became a pervasive issue in today’s society. Stress is a global public health problems with several negative health consequences, anxiety, depression, cardio vascular diseases and suicide.
Continuous stress may lead to the unproductive rumination that consumes energy and reinforces the experience of stress itself. Stress has been linked to auto, immune diseases migraines, obesity muscles tension and backache, high cholesterol, coronary heart diseases, hypertension stroke and other quality of life issue that affect humans.
Since the world health organization declared the Covid -19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us even those who have not been infected by the virus, will choose to quarantine in our homes. In definite isolation, panic over scarce resources and information overload, household work, managing children and office work could be anxiety and feelings of isolation. It is a frightening time, we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic with many places, some of us are in areas where the coronavirus infection rates are getting worse and all of us are watching the headlines and wondering “when is this going to end”.
For many people the uncertainty surrounding corona virus is the hardest things to handle. We still don’t know exactly how you can do- even in the face of this crisis, to manage our anxiety and fears.
Human are social animals but social distancing comes with its own risk. We are hardwired for connection. Isolation and loneliness can creates anxiety and depression negative thought.
Social distancing presents the dangers of increasing social rejection, growing impersonality and individualism, and the loss of a sense of community. It negatively affects learning and growth, and it prevents people from effectively socializing, which is a fundamental human need.
Anxiety, low mood, stress, fear, frustration, and boredom may be precipitated by covid-19 and its consequences, including restriction of movement; loss of social connections and employment; loss of financial income; fear of contagion; or concern about lack of access to basic needs such as medicines, food, or water. These symptoms may be appropriate reactions to extreme circumstances but may hinder patients’ ability to function.
Loneliness is a subjective unpleasant experience and refers to dissatisfaction with the discrepancy between an individual’s preferred and actual social relationships. It is a psychological manifestation of social isolation—commonly experienced at times of change—and is associated with adverse impacts on mental and physical health, including premature death at rates comparable to obesity and smoking
First and foremost, the measures carried a strong psychological message, which is the fear of others, that’s why it is important to stay connected as best we can and reach out for support when we need, even we cut back on in person socializing to minimize our stress and anxiety, we can do the followings: just make connection with friends and family, if you tend to withdraw when depressed think about scheduling regular calls, chat or zoom dates to counteract that tendency. Face to face contact is like a vitamin for your mentalhealth.it reduces the risk of depression and helping ease stress and anxiety. Be sure that how social media is making you feel. Don’t hesitate to mute keywords or people who are exacerbating your anxiety and log off its making you feel worse. Similarly social media could be the powerful tool not only for connecting with people, friends and family but also feeling connected in a greater sense to our communities, country and the world. It reminds us we are not alone
When many things feel uncertain or out of our control, one of the most effective ways we can manage stress and anxiety is to focus on the actions that are in our control. Maintain our day-to-day activities, having a healthy routine can have a positive impact on your thought and feelings, physical exercise healthy meal, reading books etc. we have to acknowledge our feelings like whatever you are feeling right now, know that its ok to feel that way allow yourself time to notice and express what you are feeling . this could be through drawing , painting , cooking , poetry music etc can help us stay grounded in the midst of an emotional storm during the time of change its natural for our mind to think of all usual activities we may not be able to do at the moment, Focus on present we can only do our best with what we have today. With regulations changing frequently, and lots of conflicting media discussions, try and keep a focus on the moment. Mindfulness meditation is one way of bringing your mind back to the present moment.
Stay informed, but don’t check the news frequently it is vital to stay informed, particularly what is happening in our community, so we can follow the advice and safety precaution, but there are lots of misinformation going around that brings the fear. So it is important to get the reliable updates. We also need to do our part to avoid spreading rumors and creating unnecessary panic.
It’s a natural concerned about what may happen in our workplace, relatives’ community. Since last year children are staying at home or someone you love get sick, or you have to self-quarantine, these possibilities can be scary to think about so make a plan or list of all the possible solution. We can focus on concrete things that can solve the problem; we can write some specific worries how this covid-19 has disrupt our life.
