Challenging Times

The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 has thrown a lot of socio-economic challenges which compelled many countries to impose restrictions on all non-essential individual movements due to quarantine. The local hospitals received a sudden rush of patients with the escalation of new cases together with inadequate, anxiety-provoking information provided by the media.

The continuous flow of negative information has caused bouts of anxiety attacks among people across the world. However, the psychological reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic varies from panic behavior or collective hysteria to perversive feelings of hopelessness and desperation which are associated with negative outcomes including suicidal behavior. ?

As people are increasingly exposed to anxiety-provoking topics related to the emergence of health and socio-economic crises have caused dysfunctional processes and maladaptive lifestyle changes lead to the onset of psychiatric conditions. Although government restrictions are necessary to maintain social balance and guarantee the safety of all individuals, a direct strategy to manage COVID-19 related psychological issues in the community is currently missing.

There are reports which suggest the highest prevalence of subjects with psychological symptoms, emotional disturbance, depression, stress, mood alteration and irritability, insomnia, and emotional exhaustion. The long-term behavioral changes like vigilant handwashing and avoidance of crowds as well as a delayed return to normality even after spending months-long of isolated life have a great impact on individual mental health.

There is a fear of what will happen after the pandemic is over, people still will be afraid of leaving the house and forming connections with people. The recent time a non-medical term was coined by Dr. Arthur Bregman called the Cave Syndrome which implies the fear and anxiety of going out and re-joining the society post-pandemic. It will open the pandora box where people will become reluctant to meet people after the fear of pandemic is mitigated. People will still hold themselves back due to fear lurking on their minds to get infected or re-infected, however, some hesitancy is normal, but clinically severe cases where they are unable to move out or leave the house should seek professional help to alleviate these anxieties.

To do the self-assessment there is a tool Self-Assessments List | PsyPan Network (coronaphobia.org) which may help readers to understand the anxiety and stress-related conditions, the response is not recorded and there is no person monitoring screening tool to support. Just an anonymous survey that helps to know what the level of my anxiety is and begin to talk to other friends who are facing the lockdown anxiety and help them to overcome fear and anxiety.

Seek Credible information

????????There is a plethora of information out there on COVID-19.

????????Ensure it is accurate information by going to credible sources such as:

????????The World Health Organization

????????Government of Nova Scotia

????????Health Canada

????????Avoid unfamiliar websites and online discussion groups, as they are generally opinions, not facts.

????????Be cautious of social media and information on these sites as they may not be reliable sources.

Intentionally Unplug

????????Disconnect from all electronics including phones, computers, social media, and tablets.

????????During these times, avoid social media and news.

????????Do something healthy for your mental and physical well-being such as exercise, read, go for a walk-in nature, etc.

Seek Support

Just because you need to physical distance, does not mean you are unable to connect- reach out through:

????????Phone calls,

????????Video chat,

????????Outdoor activities.

We need to be strong in these challenging times, we need to support one another and emerge as winners. We must defeat the virus, keep that objective in mind but do not forget that you have a life too. Live it, connect with people, and serve society.?