Daily Times

As we all know that we are facing corona pandemic in the history of mankind, for the very first time. It is caused by a virus Covid -19.As, the name imply, it was first appeared in the last month of 2019,in the city of Wuhan, China .Up till now millions of people are effected , thousand died ,all around the world and the numbers are still increasing. No vaccine is invented yet, to prevent it from effecting the mankind. The only factor which is considered fruitful is to adopt preventive measures against the deadly virus. Scientists around the world, and the technologically advanced countries, seems to be kneeling before this tiny virus. It cannot be seen with naked eye. Thousands are being affected on daily basis. Once it goes down in the respiratory tract through T-Zone of human face, it plays a havoc in the respiratory system of human being. All the small bronchioles of lungs are choked down, in very short time, making it difficult for the effected person to breath. Giving oxygen to the patient becomes vital. But as the number of patients are doubling, after every passing moment we are observing marked shortage of equipment’s and ventilators. Every passing moment there is increase in death toll, which is very frightening and alarming situation for every single person on this earth.

In order to combat anxiety meditation, exercising regularly, mindfulness therapy and deep breathing is very beneficial for our mental health

This pandemic not only effecting the mankind physically but also playing havoc on mental health,

Round the globe, people are getting anxious, nervous, fearful and obsessive regarding the dos and don’ts of the current situation. With every passing day it is becoming the need of the hour, to take care of people mental wellbeing along with the physical health. More and more people are contacting mental health professionals to combat fear and anxieties related to corona virus. Now the responsibility falls on the shoulders of Psychologists and counselors to address corona related obsessions, stress, anxiety and even depression. On the individual level and for the physical precautions we must take measures like staying home more. Gloves, sanitizers and masks should be used, when going out becomes necessary. Gatherings must be avoided. Social distancing should be observed. Washing hands with soapy water should be done, frequently. Keeping the house and kitchen neat and tidy and preparing homemade food is the best option. If we find any sign like dry cough high and persistent fever, body aches and pain, difficulty in breathing, then we must report to the authorities.

All the above measures should be taken for physical wellbeing. Apart from these precautions, it is very necessary to keep focusing on our psychological health and mental wellbeing as well. While taking the physical health into consideration, people become very obsessed and they constantly worry. Too, much worry about the pandemics make them stressed out. They continuously watch the updates on the corona virus. Overloading of Information about the pandemic is affecting our mental health. In this regard, proper measure becomes necessary for our mental and psychological health. Foremost strategy is to limit our exposure to corona related news. Adopting hobbies like book reading, article writing, painting, sketching can be good stress releaser. Even talking to old friends online is helpful. In order to combat anxiety meditation, exercising regularly, mindfulness therapy and deep breathing is very beneficial for our mental health. We must keep a check on our thoughts. We must review and revise our thought patterns. Whatever and whenever negative thought appear in our mind, we must replace it with a positive one. Like for example ‘why all this happening to me ‘can be replaced by ‘everyone around the world is suffering, it’s not just specifically me. And everything will come to normal, one day.’ In this regard journal writing is helpful. It can be done to keep record of handwashing frequency. Like washing hand for 20 seconds is enough, rather washing for 15 minutes or more. In this way we can help worry not to convert into hand washing obsession. A little anxiety is necessary for the sake of prevention, but too anxiety much can convert into a disorder. With little effort, we can keep our life in order. By adopting healthy habits, we can combat with the psychological stress created by the pandemic and live physically healthy and mentally stable life.

The writer is Psychologist And Conselor