Ways to prevent the disease
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people.
The infection that causes COVID-19 is spread mostly from individual to individual, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of individuals who are close by or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It spreads more when individuals are in close contact with each other (inside around 6 feet).
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Following Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure;
It’s normal and human to feel on edge or anxious at this moment. COVID-19 presents a risk to human wellbeing and the manner in which we live – your mind and your body are reacting to that risk like they should! It’s what’s occasionally called the “fight or-flight” reaction – your body realizes you probably won’t be protected and it’s equipping you to react.
Sadly, that fight or-flight’ reaction doesn’t have any place to go at the present time – we’re not yet ready to battle the infection and we need to react to it not by fleeing but by remaining at home.
The wellbeing tips will be extremely useful. Connect with individuals who makes you feel protected and cherished, talk to your loved ones, discover activities that help you with feeling in control, exercise as much as you can, do some breathing exercises. If you still feel anxious then;
Call Local Government Department Sindh helpline 1093 to chat with a trained Counsellor/Psychologist, anytime.
Practice tolerating uncertainty. Anxiety is triggered by uncertain and uncontrollable circumstances. Work on allowing anxiety to be present and remind yourself it is alright feel anxious at the moment. Remember that the more reluctant we are to acknowledge anxiety, the more anxiety increases.
When we focus on the things we can do for ourselves, it can reduce anxiety, and it can help propel helpful action. But if you still feel anxious or overwhelmed by emotions call Local Government Department Sindh helpline 1093 to chat with a trained counsellor/psychologist, whenever.
Focus on the news because you have to keep you safe and in limited amounts. Viewing a constant stream of COVID-19 related news can increase the probability of extreme anxiety and panic
Develop a plan for staying at home. Maintain familiar schedules whenever possible. Proceed with normal sleep schedules, eat healthy diet, and keep on working out. Get dressed in the morning and make sure to take breaks throughout the day including for lunch.
Seek professional help when you need it. Excessive anxiety and stress can weaken the immune system. If you are losing a significant amount of sleep, if can’t stop worrying, if you are not eating well, at that point you are placing yourself in a condition of increased stress and it might be the time seek professional help. Cognitive behavior therapy teaches how to replace on edge anxious thoughts with more helpful ways of coping and it can be offered via telehealth/counselling service on Local Government Department Sindh helpline 1093.
Psychosocial support’ are those strategies that are related to psychological and social needs of person, families and communities. Psychosocial support can be both preventive and curative. It is preventive when it decreases the risk of developing Psychological problems.
The psychosocial is relating to the combination of psychological and social behavior. An example of psychosocial is the nature of a study that examines the relationship between a person’s fears and how he relates to others in a social setting.
Psychosocial support is an integral part of the crisis response. It helps person and society to heal the psychological Injuries and rebuild social structures after an emergency or a crisis. It can help change people into active survivors rather than passive victims.
Local Government Department Sindh is providing the Psycho social support services through helpline number 1093 with support of trained expert Psychologists of BEST-Pak and UNDP
The most ideal way to help friends and family manage COVID-19 related anxiety is to initially find a way to deal with your own anxiety. As opposed to arguing with them about the facts, consider offering to them the thoughtful measures you’re presently taking to remain healthy and worry less, and what news sources you’re utilizing to stay informed. Ask them how you can help, and encourage them to talk with a mental health professional if their anxiety is getting in the way of daily functioning.
Quarantine is exercised when it is badly needed of. To minimize and control the stress of epidemic/ pandemic. It is an extraordinary measure taken in response to an extraordinary situation like the Present one. Its benefits cannot be over emphasized in a situation like the present one. The routine during Quarantine can be taken care of through media facilitation.
COPING WITH QUARANTINE
Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Karachi
BEST-Pak Technical Advisor & Experts Roaster Member
Lead Psychologist/Team Leader (BEST-Pak)
M.Phil. Psychology, Masters Clinical Psychology, Post Magisterial Diploma in Assessment & Counseling,
Member of American Psychological Association & Canadian Psychological Association.
Languages: Urdu, English
M.Phil. Psychology, Masters Clinical Psychology, Post Magisterial Diploma in Assessment & Counseling.
Languages: Urdu, English, Punjabi
Provision of Psycho-Social Support and Stigma Prevention/ Mental Health Services for COVID-19 Emergency Response through helpline 1093
Local Government Department Sindh