COPING DURING COVID-19

By Khossy Zondo

While mental health is not the main global focus at the moment, the psycho-social aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic may be taking a toll on many people’s minds. Some people are enjoying working and studying from home there are people who are negatively affected such that social distancing may feel like torture. Social media users constantly share the millions of ways that they are trying to pass the time and how their biggest problem at the moment is boredom. Some individuals face much bigger challenges such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness and many more issues.

Covid-19 has reduced the income of many and caused large numbers of people to be on unpaid leave or unemployed. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are up to their necks with anxiety of the losses they have faced during this crisis and how they will get back on their feet. People who finally had their breakthroughs at school and job opportunities have no choice but to place everything on hold. University students who were so excited to finally graduate had to end their years of hard work via online graduation ceremonies

With everything on lockdown in most countries the mere option of escaping an abusive home and busying your-self with one thing or the next has been thrown outside the window. It is important to acknowledge the effects that this crisis will have global mental health as much as we acknowledge the toll it will take on economic and social issues because the mental health that is affected by Covid-19 is the same one that will help us maintain sanity during this period.

There’s so much confusion in the world with hundreds of citizen journalists using social media platforms to share information on the virus. Most people simply receive and share information without verification leading to a spread in fake news and an increase in panic. It is normal to feel stressed, anxiety and loneliness during this period of isolation and social distancing. It is also normal to be scared, frustrated and confused. A crisis such as this one may cause people to adopt unhealthy eating, drinking and sleeping habits. People do not respond to a crisis the same way therefore do not be hard on yourself for whichever way you are reacting.

How to cope during the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. If you are struggling with stress and anxiety, the first thing you can do is to take some time off news and social media updates about the update. You already know everything you need to know on the symptoms and social distancing to minimize spread, why then should you add more stress with information on death numbers. Mute any Covid-19 updates or keywords for a while and especially people who spread false news.
2. Connect with family and friends on how you are feeling. Participate in activities that you love for entertainment and distraction. Use this time to catch up with anything you have been procrastinating.
3. Your physical health is as important as your mental health therefore practise self-care through physical exercises.