Table of contents:
- Talking about health in the days of Covid-19 is equivalent to talking about the social distancing required to avoid the spread of the virus. However, such isolation can have adverse effects on the mental health of adults, youth and children if habits are not adopted to reduce stress levels
- The social distance that must be maintained with other people, added to the confinement, is a factor that can cause stress even after the crisis is over
Video: How To Seek Help If Social Distancing Affects Your Mental Health
2023 Author: Leslie Forster | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 16:12
Talking about health in the days of Covid-19 is equivalent to talking about the social distancing required to avoid the spread of the virus. However, such isolation can have adverse effects on the mental health of adults, youth and children if habits are not adopted to reduce stress levels
The social distance that must be maintained with other people, added to the confinement, is a factor that can cause stress even after the crisis is over
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that outbreaks and levels of contagion can generate a person (regardless of age) with feelings of fear, anxiety and overwhelm, intensifying in those who belong to vulnerable groups.
Some of the reactions that can occur in stressful situations are:
Fear for personal and loved ones' health
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Difficult to focus
- Increased consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- Worsening of chronic conditions
In addition to the CDC, other health institutions have agreed on recommendations for dealing with stress. The World Health Organization and the University of Nebraska Medical Center agree that the following recommendations can be followed to manage stressful situations in the best possible way:
Control the amount of information you receive, and limit your exposure to social media
- Virtually connect with people you love
- Take care of your body, eat healthy and stay away from alcohol and drugs
- Exercise your body at least with stretching exercises
- Meditate or practice breathing exercises
- Draw on habits that have helped you overcome difficult situations in the past
- Stay busy and practice a hobby
If you feel that you are in a state of critical anxiety, contact the help line 1-800-985-5990, where you can request free advice in multiple languages 24/7 365 days a year. Or, send TalkWithUs to 66746.
