Last December 2019, a rampant increase of contagious disease was discovered first in the city of Wuhan China. This outbreak causes a caveat around the globe and it became a headline in the news worldwide. On March 10, 2020, the WHO announced the novel coronavirus disease to be known as COVID-19 since it has already widespread across the countries.
Image by PIRO4D
Most of the affected countries started implementing safety precautions to stop the dissemination of the virus, such as wearing masks and face shields. Moreover, they also required people to stay at home and implement lockdown in some areas. The medical staff and physicians need to wear a complete set of personal protective equipment suit (a.k.a. PPE suit).
Since this tragic event is still ongoing, some people are experiencing traumas and stress. The COVID-19 brought a threat to most people with regards to their physical and mental health. Since this pandemic continues to reign, the people’s health was at risk. Moreover, some businesses need to shut down their operations as well and lay off employees due to the government’s strict and mandatory lockdown policies.
This turn of events causes emotional and mental stigma as well as stress to most people. With this regard, we should learn how to adapt to the new situation. However, there are still some people who find it hard to deal with the current situation. Hence, it called the attention of medical professionals and psychiatrists to help these people in need.
How are you going to come up with the COVID-19 pandemic?
1. Call the medical hotlines and seek immediate help
You must familiarize yourself with the various symptoms of the disease such as colds, fever, fatigue, dry cough, chest pain, breathing difficulties, loss of smell or taste, etc.
By knowing this information, you will become aware of the health risk of this disease. In this way, you can immediately seek medical help in case you are experiencing the symptoms.
If you are watching TV or active in social media, you can find the contact numbers and hospital near your place. It is important to take note of these matters during these challenging times. Furthermore, you need to secure and ready your health insurance to assist you financially if you have become infected with the virus.
2. Find a mental health care provider
In these trying times, it is a must to consider the mental health care providers like Regional Mental health to help you cope with the new normal situation. The home lockdown and outside restrictions may trigger emotional, mental, and psychological stress in some people. Thus, it is important to have a health check to give you comfort, treatment, and advice to deal with the pandemic.
If you’re residing in Australia, you can check the mental health centers online and schedule a consultation or treatment. You may call on the following hotlines:
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Butterfly Foundation – 1800 334 673
- Carer Support – 1800 242 636
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
- Regional Mental Health – 07 4637 9989
- Suicide Call Back – 1300 659 467
- Qlife – 1800 184 527
- COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing – 1800 512 348
If you’re residing outside Australia, you may check the nearest mental health care provider in your area. You can find a psychiatrist or psychologist via social media. Some may require you to be physically present at the clinic but if you insist to get treatment or advice at home, you may opt for a virtual appointment.
3. Boost Your Immune System
The best solution to fight the COVID-19 is to boost your immune system. Since the vaccination is not yet fully available in all countries, the medical experts and government authorities are still promoting natural herd immunity. It refers to a situation wherein the people residing within the area became immune to the virus hence, it causes the disease to stop spreading.
However, your immune system should be capable to withstand the symptoms and effects of the virus. Hence, you should follow these basic physiological necessities to help you survive the pandemic period. Here is what you need to do:
- Eat healthy foods especially, green leafy vegetables and fruits
- Perform daily or weekly exercises
- Drink plenty of water
- Take multivitamins or ascorbic acid. If you are an acidic person, you may consider ascorbate vitamins.
- Sleep and rest for at least 8 hours per day
- Prevent yourself from reading hoax and unreliable news from social media. You should connect yourself with the relevant and timely updates from local and international news as well as government agencies related to health
4. Follow the safety measures
The government authorities had implemented policies and guidelines during the COVID-19 period. You must follow the restrictions and perform a swab test if necessary. Some countries offer urine tests, blood tests, or saliva test to detect your condition for the coronavirus. There is no harm in adhering to the rules if it benefits your welfare and health.
You must avoid going out of public and stay at home most of the time. If it is inevitable to go out, you must obey the safety measures outdoors such as wearing a mask, face shields, practice social distancing, and always bring isopropyl alcohol wherever you go.
5. Make time to relax and unwind
Even if you stayed indoors, you may still enjoy the activities in the comfort of your home. It’s the best time to teach your children during their home-schooling period. You may also teach your family members crafts, baking, or music to develop a new skill. It provides an interactive and fun way to approach your family members to try something different.
For some people, the current situation knocked on doors for business and career opportunities. Some started doing their online business, build their streaming channels for games, and some considered creating their YouTube channels for vlogging. It may be a challenging time for everybody, but it has a significant influence to change the lives of many.
6. Stay Connected with your family and friends
Communication is the key to have healthy physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. It helps you express your feelings and share your thoughts. It provides a sense of comfort, compassion, and trust. Due to the current situation that we are facing, it is important to have someone to talk with. It helps in reducing the trauma and stress that you are experiencing during this time.
If you feel anxious, fearful, and uneasy, you are not alone, and your response is just natural and normal. After you talked with family and friends, you will feel relieved, and it helps you overcome the emotions.
Our advice on your mental health
Whenever there are challenging situations, you need to always find something positive in them. You should not hesitate to consult professional advice to help you manage the anxiety, stress, and fear.
Having constant communication with your peers and family helps build a strong bond and boost your relationship. Furthermore, you should use this period as an opportunity to learn and develop new skillsets.
