Overcoming the fear of catching the disease during covid19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is fearful for all of us. Fear of catching the new disease and its effects can be devastating. This could cause strong emotions in adults as well as children. Almost every day newspapers, radio and TV channels have stories about the coronavirus and back-to-back coverage on the latest death tolls. Social distancing, makes us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Fear and worry about our health and our loved ones, is very disturbing.  It can cause difficulty in sleeping or concentrating. It can change our eating pattern and worsen chronic physical and mental health conditions. Our anxiety and fears should be acknowledged and not be ignored.

Dealing with these fears and overcoming them in a healthy way will make us, our family and our community stronger.
• Stay away from watching news all throughout the day and night. Set a time to watch the news twice a day. Neither watch news nor log into social media few hours before going to bed. Keep your mind calm. Listen to melodious songs or read books to put yourself to sleep.
• Learn the scientific information about the disease and its spread. Ensure that you and your family follow hygiene rules as stated by doctors. Know the facts. Be cooperative with the government when they make steps to stop the spread of the disease and safeguard people.
• Be in touch with reality. Remind yourself of reasons not to worry, as you are aware of the fact that  you and your loved ones have been practicing hygiene and you are in a protected state. Induce positive self-talk. Whenever you get negative thoughts give it counter thoughts by telling yourself that you have taken all protective steps to keep yourself healthy.
• Eat healthy and nutritious food include lot of veggies and greens, drink fruit juices and enough water and exercise to develop immunity.
• Occupy your mind with relaxing activities, watch good movies, learn cooking, read novels, collect information on ancient history/politics, write blogs, publish articles to magazines, attend online webinars, play indoor games(avoid mobile games), do terrace gardening, draw and paint, create new notes for music instruments, introduce weight reduction plan, learn a new language so on.
• Speak to your close ones who are away from you to make sure that they are safe. Due to the developments in technology we can speak to people miles away through live audio and video calls.

The above stated are a few ways in which we can keep ourselves away from fear. But inspite of following these if you still face lot of fear seek professional help from a psychologist/psychiatrist. Counselling/therapy will definitely help you deal with your fears.

Swathi Priya. P
Counselling Psychologist
http://www.mindmake-upclinic.com/


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