Everbody in the entire world is talking about coronavirus (COVID-19). The internet and the media is ablaze with articles and information. It’s all your peers are talking about.
The uncertainty about a potentially life-threatening virus has created a buzz of public anxiety. So if you find yourself starting to get anxious at the thought of COVID-19, you’re not alone.
For everything that we don’t know about COVID-19, there’s a lot that we do know.
Coronaviruses are a special class of cold viruses – and the good news is that we know how to manage clients with respiratory viruses.
When it comes to easing fear and anxiety around COVID-19, take these two things into consideration:
1. Doctors and other health practitioners have been trained and they know what to do to manage respiratory illnesses.
2. You can take adequate measures or steps to protect yourself and others.
Healthcare providers and hospitals are working hard to respond to the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to know that managing viral respiratory illnesses is not new in the medical community.
We continuously prepare for outbreaks like this. Guidelines are in place and they’re updated as new information becomes available.
And when it comes to yourself – you should know what to do to avoid getting sick because it’s the same as protecting yourself against influenza and lots of other infections.
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water water for at least 15-20 seconds at every 20 minutes
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing then throw the tissue in the trash
- Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands
- Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol
- Practice social distancing
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with those who are sick
- Avoid crowds and stay home if you’re not feeling well.
While this virus is unpredictable or uncertain and the situation continues to evolve, progress or advance, focus on what you can control.
You might experience:
- Insomnia (Difficulty sleeping)
- Unable to concentrate
- Anger, anxiety, worry, panic and depression
- Hypersensitivity (highly sensitive) about your health and body
- Feelings of helplessness
- Fear of people who are coughing, sneezing or appear sick
- Social isolation.
Ways to manage or ease your fears and anxiety about coronavirus
- Get your facts straight: It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest news from trusted sources regarding COVID-19. Be careful about what you read on the internet, especially comments and articles that are being shared via social media
- Seeing things in their proper relation/proportion to everything else: Although you’ll want to stay informed about COVID-19, it’s important to focus on what you can control. Take a break from media coverage or social media if you find yourself panicking or being scared about the news or an article you just read online. If talking endlessly about coronavirus is upsetting ,causing unhappiness, disappointment, or worrying to you, change the topic of conversation when you can.
- Focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions: Not everyone you come in contact with has been exposed to COVID-19. Although caution and preventative measures are extremely important right now, not everyone who coughs has the virus. Being self-aware is a big component of easing public anxiety. Focus on what you can do
- Try to maintain some normalcy: It can be hard with trips and events being cancelled, schools being closed and the concept of “social distancing or isolation” always at the top of your mind. But it’s important to try to maintain some sort of schedule. Routine makes most people, especially children, feel safe. Try to keep your normal sleep and meal times and focus on activities that make you feel happy – like reading a book, watching your favorite show or playing a board game with your family. Or take a walk, as long as you’re not in quarantine, a little fresh air is always a good idea!
