Covid-19: How to deal with stress and anxiety while under quarantine or isolation?

Team Udayavani, Mar 22, 2020, 11:56 AM IST

The outbreak Covid-19 may be stressful for people and it is quite common to have fear and anxiety about a disease.  The government is now advising us to avoid all but essential social contact. This will mean that more of us will be spending a lot of time at home and many of our regular social activities will no longer be available to us. Various psychologists claim that social distancing or isolation due to the pandemic fear will affect our mental health.

Psychological effects can include anger, confusion, emotional exhaustion and boredom. Quarantine can result in post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression that can last well beyond the period of isolation.

It is said that rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Facts minimise fear, one should have access to good quality information while under isolation and avoid social media.

Isolation does not mean you can’t meet people or have any kind of interaction. You can always talk to your friend and invite your family and friends over but see through that you maintain 6 feet distance.

Keep checking on your family and friends who are under isolation.

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

Take care of your body. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

There are many government websites and helplines to help you whenever needed. Refer those websites and stay updated with genuine facts.