Ways of protecting your family’s mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic
At the beginning of the year, 2020, the world health organization declared the Covid-19 disease outbreak in Hubei province from China. It is a severe killer disease that is spreading through contact with an infected person. As we all know, humans connect and interact as they go about their prevalent activities. However, health workers and WHO are sensitizing people to socially distance to avoid further spread of the Covid-19 since its cure has not been found yet. This has brought panic and fear around the whole world. Anxiety and fear about the disease can be very overwhelming and may cause emotion to both adults and children.
Therefore, in this article, I have come up with ways to cope with stress for you, your family and the entire community during these trying times.
Know the control measures and adhere to them
There are control precautions and safety rules to avoid getting into contact with the Covid-19 virus that you should take. Ensure to adhere to all of them to remain on the safe side. Although, on a healthy way of life we interact without care, there is a need to distance oneself socially. Sometimes it is difficult and can take a toll on your mental health state, especially once you lose control. Also, keep your hand always clean and ensure to sanitize. Alternatively, you can connect with other people through a phone call, video chatting and control yourself from the face-to-face meets up. Due to the spread of the disease, the government is encouraging people to work from home, always sanitize and put on a face mask to avoid further spread.
Involve a mental health professional
Although travelling and face-to-face interaction aren’t encouraged, mental health professionals are offering teletherapy. This is an effective method, just like in the case of in-person meetings. It helps in navigating across everything you are feeling concerning the Covid-19.
Know that it will come to an end
Although at the moment, we all feel that the pandemic is endless. It is good to remind ourselves and families that it will end shortly. You may not know the real-timeline hence the need to encourage your family to socially distance, closures and other changes aren’t permanent. This makes it easier to cope with the pandemic.
Include physical activities for your family
The social isolation may encourage the feeling of sadness and depression. Encourage your family to indulge in physical exercise in the likes bike riding, hiking, especially with the children to avoid boredom.
Avoid social media and exposure to news
It is very tempting to watch the news to be up-to-date on the state of affairs in regards to the disease. However, it is good to avoid them as it may increase anxiety amongst kids and even adult. Younger children may find the news scary; hence it is advisable to set limits on what to watch and read concerning the Covid-19 disease. Also avoid passing fear, anxiety and panic to the kids as they may greatly get affected. Only tell them reasonable concerns and enforce responsible social distancing and other health recommendations.