Is Covid-19 anxiety getting to you? Here's how to stay calm
It's important to remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation.
By ET CONTRIBUTORS | Updated:
AFP
Palpitations, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, headache can be symptoms of anxiety.
By Dr. Zirak Marker
I have been guiding and counselling a 23-year-old for the last three years. He has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Anxiety.
His symptoms started after his grandfather passed away due to multiple medical complications. This triggered within him feelings and thoughts that something bad was going to happen to him as well. With constant obsessive thoughts of getting infected with germs or some virus, he would incessantly check the Internet for signs and symptoms that he imagined he had. For months he thought that he had low immunity and assumed he had an auto- immune disease. This slowly translated to his fear of contracting HIV. Thus emerged his repetitive compulsions of hand-washing, checking, doubting and cleaning. Eventually he gave up his job, socially withdrew from friends and family and confined himself to his bedroom as he was riddled with severe anxiety and panic attacks.
However, over a period of the last 8 month, with medications for his OCD and anxiety, the intensity and frequency of his symptoms reduced significantly after which he regularly began attending Cognitive Behaviour Therapy sessions, and resumed his normal routine and daily functionality.
But with the COVID-19 outbreak and social-distancing while staying indoors, his symptoms worsened significantly in the last two weeks.
This is however not a rare case. We have suddenly seen an increase in the number of mental health related cases in the last two weeks and depending on the situation, it is likely to get worse. assuming it will get worse.
For adults or children who have a predisposed personality or suffer from any form of anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, stress, OCD, hypochondria, claustrophobia or other related mental health conditions, this lockdown and social isolation can be difficult, and even unravel many symptoms.
The red flags, signs or symptoms one needs to be cognisant of include:
- Worsening of pre-existing symptoms related to stress, anxiety or depression. - Constant obsessive, intrusive, ruminating thoughts that cannot be controlled or stopped with regards to the virus, like - contracting it, getting quarantined in even more terrible conditions, spreading it to others, fear of self or loved ones dying, and anxiety about not having access to investigations or treatment.
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- Severe anxiety symptoms like palpitations, difficulty in breathing or breathlessness, chest pain, headache, blurred vision, or tremors. - Headaches, back aches, chest pain or other vague psycho-somatic symptoms with no real medical cause. - There can be very negative thoughts, irritability, mood swings or feeling very low or on edge all the time, and thoughts of impending doom. - Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness and mental fatigue.
All this can lead to repetitive behaviour that includes constant-checking, cleaning, hoarding (items for the house, face mask, medication, hand sanitisers), increased hand-washing / bathing, or obsessive reading and watching TV, news, browsing social media or the Internet for further information on the topic.
Thus there is a disturbance in sleep pattern or appetite, difficulty with focus, concentration or attention span, inability to follow daily schedules and eventually a lapse in functionality.
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This can lead to some adults turning to varied forms of substance abuse such as alcohol, drugs or excessive smoking to negate their symptoms.
Coronavirus Can Get Children Worried: Here's How To Have The Talk
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In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus increase, the situation can get the children anxious and worried for their family members and friends.
Parents, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals and trusted adults play a significant role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate and minimise their fear or anxiety.
Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore shares a few tips to help make the corona conversation easier around children.
In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus incr..
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- Remember that children react to how and what things are said
- Children pick up cues from conversations you have with them and others
- Patiently listen to what they say, and allow them to ask questions
- Avoid using words that might blame others and lead to stigma
- Remember that the virus can make anyone sick. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19
- Pay attention to what children see, hear or read on television, radio or online
- Reduce the amount of screen time for children focused on COVID-19. Too much information on any one topic can lead to anxiety and worry
- Provide information to kids that is honest and accurate. Give information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child
- Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the internet and social media may be based on rumours and inaccurate information
- Teach chilren everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs
- Stay calm and keep information simple
- Reassure children that health and school authorities are working very hard to keep everyone safe and healthy
- Teach dos and don'ts at home, schools and play areas
- Remember that children react to how and what things are said
- Children pick up cues from conversations you have with them and others
- Patiently listen to what they say, and allow them to ask qu..
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- Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then throw the tissue into a closed bin
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing, after using restroom, and before eating or learning to prepare food
- If soap and water are not available, teach children to use hand sanitiser
- Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then throw the tissue into a closed bin
- Wash hands with soap and water for a..
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- Avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes and face with unclean hands
- Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessarily
- Avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes and face with unclean hands
- Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessaril..
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What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for 'coronavirus disease 2019'
- It is a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick
- Doctors and scientists think that most people will be alright, especially kids, but some people might get very sick
- Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy
What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for 'coronavirus disease 2019'
- It is a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick
- ..
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- Practice healthy habits at home, school and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the dustbin right away
- Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose and eyes. This will help keep germs out of your body
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitiser to clean the germs
- Keep things clean and hygienic
- If you have cough & fever, stay home. Just like you don’t want to get other people’s germs in your body, other people don’t want to get your germs either
- If you are old enough, you can help adults at home and school clean the things we touch the most like desks, doorknobs, light switches and remote controls
- Practice healthy habits at home, school and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the..
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- COVID-19 can look different in different people. From what doctors have seen so far, most kids don’t seem to get very sick
- Being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. Children may get a fever, cough or have a hard time taking deep breaths
- Most people who have contracted COVID-19 don't get very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems
- If you suspect your child may have COVID-19, call Government of India helpline +91-11-23978046 or contact nearest healthcare facility to let them know before you bring your child in to see them
- COVID-19 can look different in different people. From what doctors have seen so far, most kids don’t seem to get very sick
- Being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. Chi..
Guidance If you or anyone you know is experiencing such symptoms it is important to reach out immediately to a mental health professional to initiate timely treatment and counselling sessions. This can be done online with the use of various platforms.
What can help • Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus. There are teams of professionals across the world trying to fight this out. • Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone. • Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Listen to music, draw or paint, do yoga or mediate regularly, pursue a hobby, read or write. • Maintain a regular sleep routine, eat healthy foods and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid binge-eating. • Try to maintain physical activity. Stretch regularly. Try and do some floor exercises. • For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and establishing a schedule. • Avoid obsessively watching disturbing news and social media • Establish routines as best possible and try to view this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits. • Do not feel helpless or hopeless about this situation and do reach out for mental health assistance if needed. It is okay to not be okay at times such as these; but it is essential and necessary to seek professional help or guidance. (Dr. Zirak Marker, Sr. Psychiatrist & Advisor - Mpower - The Centre, is a renowned child and adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist with clinical training. He has over 18 years of experience in Educational Psychology, and is currently the Medical Director of the Aditya Birla Integrated School; for children with learning disabilities and psychological/emotional problems.)
The War Against Coronavirus: Pichai, Jack Ma, Ambani & Other Top Bosses Show The Way
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Chinese billionaire Jack Ma (C) showed his benevolent side as he pitched in to help the world fight the novel coronavirus. The founder of e-commerce major, Alibaba, Ma became the most talked about business figure after he said that he would marshall all available resources at his disposal to take on Covid-19. From donating emergency supplies (1.8M masks, 210K test kits, 36K protective suits, plus ventilators & thermometers) to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka in Asia to donating 20,000 test kits, 100,000 masks and 1,000 medical use protective suits in each of the 54 African countries, the 55-year-old proved that he was a good Samaritan whose charity was not mapped by geographical boundaries.
And even as the business magnate didn’t have India in his list of beneficiaries, there was much talk in the country about his act of generosity. And what followed were natural questions: who among India’s rich was doing a Jack Ma?
And it’s not just one individual, but a bunch of lion-hearted boardroom tycoons who have taken the pledge to help fight the virus that has thrown life off-track, in India and across the world.
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma (C) showed his benevolent side as he pitched in to help the world fight the novel coronavirus. The founder of e-commerce major, Alibaba, Ma became the most talked about bu..
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Google chief Sundar Pichai has donated Rs 5 crore to Give India, matching Google's earlier donation to the non-profit organisation for the coronavirus pandemic.
"Thank you @sundarpichai for matching @Googleorg's Rs 5 crore grant to provide desperately needed cash assistance for vulnerable daily wage worker families...," Give India said in a tweet.
Previously, Google had announced an over USD 800 million commitment towards efforts to tackle Covid-19 pandemic that claimed thousands of lives globally. This includes a USD 200 million investment fund for NGOs and banks to help small businesses access capital.
Besides, Google has also teamed up with Apple to work on a contact tracing approach designed with strong controls and protections for user privacy.
(With Inputs from PTI)
Google chief Sundar Pichai has donated Rs 5 crore to Give India, matching Google's earlier donation to the non-profit organisation for the coronavirus pandemic."Thank you @sundarpichai for matching @..
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Hyundai Motor India on Monday said it has donated Rs 7 crore to the PM CARES Fund to fight the Covid-19 crisis.
"Our contribution to the PM CARES Fund stands testament to solidarity we hold with the people of India, amidst this crisis," Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO SS Kim said in a statement.
In challenging times such as these, the company will continue giving back to help India defeat this adversity, he added.
The South Korean automaker had earlier pledged Rs 5 crore to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Relief Fund.
It has also donated imported diagnostic kits worth Rs 4 crore which can cater to testing requirements of over 25,000 individuals.
(With inputs from PTI)
Hyundai Motor India on Monday said it has donated Rs 7 crore to the PM CARES Fund to fight the Covid-19 crisis."Our contribution to the PM CARES Fund stands testament to solidarity we hold with the p..
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Elecon Group CMD, Prayasvin B Patel has donated Rs 11 lakh to the CM Fund to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, relief and rehabilitation work.
Also, Elecon Group has partnered with the District Collector's Office to distribute food and grocery kits among the vulnerable people.
Over 1,000 grocery kits have been distributed under the able guidance of Prayasvin B Patel and Mrs. Taruna P Patel. The grocery bag includes 10kg wheat flour, 5kg rice, 1 kg, dal, 1 kg sugar and 1 kg salt. Lunch and Dinner were also provided to the needy people at Vasad, Chikhodra and Bevda Villages.
(With inputs from ANI)
Elecon Group CMD, Prayasvin B Patel has donated Rs 11 lakh to the CM Fund to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, relief and rehabilitation work.Also, Elecon Group has partnered with the District Collector's..
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Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, on Friday, announced that it has donated close to 9 lakh masks to government health bodies, police agencies and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
"Vivo India has donated close to 900,000 masks to government health bodies, police agencies and @tweetndmc. We will continue to do whatever we can, in our capacity, to help the country overcome the COVID19 pandemic. This is for all HeroesWhoCare Folded handsFolded hands Coronarelief," Nipun Marya, Director, Brand Strategy, Vivo India said in a tweet.
Earlier, the company donated one lakh medical masks and 5,000 N-95 masks to the Maharashtra government.
(With Inputs from PTI)
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, on Friday, announced that it has donated close to 9 lakh masks to government health bodies, police agencies and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)."Vivo India ha..
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On Sunday evening Mukesh Ambani (in pic) stepped out to the balcony of his Altamount Road residence ‘Antilia’ and showed his gratitude to the country’s caregivers as he clapped his hands and rang the bell.
Hours later on Monday, Reliance Industries Limited announced that it is enhancing production capacities to manufacture 100,000 face-masks daily and a large number of protective equipment like suits and garments, for the country's health workers who are engaged in fighting the novel coronavirus. The oil and retail major also said that it has provided an initial support of Rs 5 crore to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
RIL's Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has also set up a dedicated 100-bed centre at Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai for patients who test positive for Covid-19. The Foundation has also decided to provide free meals to people across various cities in partnership with NGOs.
Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of India's largest firm Reliance Industries, on April 20, pledged free meals, building country's first Covid-19 hospital and is supplying PPEs and masks as part of its effort to help the nation fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reliance Foundation's 'Mission Anna Seva' that aims to provide over 3 crore meals to marginalised communities and frontline workers facing hardships during the lockdown, is the largest free meal programme by any corporate foundation globally, its chairperson Nita Ambani said.
(With inputs from PTI)
On Sunday evening Mukesh Ambani (in pic) stepped out to the balcony of his Altamount Road residence ‘Antilia’ and showed his gratitude to the country’s caregivers as he clapped his hands and rang the..
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Home grown Dabur group, on Tuesday, pledged Rs 21 crore to support the relief efforts and help the immediate needs of people affected from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The group will also provide assistance to people engaged in frontline efforts to fight the virus and support to members of vulnerable sections of the society and migrant workers, who are the hardest hit by this pandemic.
"We have earmarked a fund of Rs 21 crore towards relief efforts... Out of this pledged amount, a sum of Rs 11 crore is being contributed to PM CARES Fund by Dabur India and other entities in the Group," said Dabur India Ltd Chairman Amit Burman said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Home grown Dabur group, on Tuesday, pledged Rs 21 crore to support the relief efforts and help the immediate needs of people affected from the Covid-19 pandemic.The group will also provide assistance..
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Indian software major Infosys, too, joined the Covid-19 fight with a Rs 100 crore donation. The Infosys Foundation has contributed half of this amount to the PM CARES Fund to expand hospital capacity for treatment and enable hospital stays for poor Covid-19 patients. The Foundation recently said it would help set up a hospital in Bengaluru exclusively to treat people infected by the virus.
Sudha Murty, who is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, said that “these are unprecedented times that require every section of the society to rise up to the challenge.” Infosys CEO Salil Parekh, while terming the Covid -19 pandemic as ‘one of the toughest challenges that the world has been faced with’, reiterated that it is imperative for businesses to join hands with the governments, civil society and healthcare institutions to support the communities.
Indian software major Infosys, too, joined the Covid-19 fight with a Rs 100 crore donation. The Infosys Foundation has contributed half of this amount to the PM CARES Fund to expand hospital capacity..
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On Sunday, as the country observed ‘Janata Curfew’ as a mark of appreciation for the selfless help provided by the caregivers, Anand Mahindra (in pic) shared some heartening news with his 7.5 mn followers on Twitter. The Mahindra Group chairman offered to convert Mahindra Holiday resorts as temporary care facilities. He also tweeted that the group will ‘immediately begin work on how our manufacturing facilities can make ventilators’.And that’s not all. He also pledged that the Mahindra Foundation will create a fund to assist SMEs and SMBs, ‘the hardest hit in our value chain’. The business tycoon himself pledged to contribute 100% of his salary to the fund, and keep adding to it over the course of the next few months.
On Sunday, as the country observed ‘Janata Curfew’ as a mark of appreciation for the selfless help provided by the caregivers, Anand Mahindra (in pic) shared some heartening news with his 7.5 mn fo..
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The Executive Chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited showed his generous side as he pledged Rs 100 cr to fight the pandemic. The 66-year-old Anil Agarwal (in pic), who tweeted a picture of his participation in the ‘Janata Curfew’, wrote on the micro-blogging platform that was ‘committing 100 cr towards fighting the Pandemic’. Expressing concern for the daily wage earners, he wrote that ‘we will do our bit to help’.
The Executive Chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited showed his generous side as he pledged Rs 100 cr to fight the pandemic. The 66-year-old Anil Agarwal (in pic), who tweeted a picture of his partici..
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
