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Covid-19 and Our Psychology
Covid-19, the coronavirus outbreak and this period in which we have to stay at home to protect both ourselves and others are worrying for many of us. In this temporary period, when we face uncertainty or do not feel safe, we may naturally feel stressed. When we cannot control what is happening, great anxiety may arise. Those who were already experiencing emotional difficulties before the outbreak may now feel more depressed. Still, everyone reacts to stress differently, and reactions change over time.
Increased stress related to the outbreak may manifest itself in the following ways:
· Increased feelings of fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
· Changes in and difficulties with sleeping and eating patterns
· Difficulty concentrating
· Decline in academic performance and daily activities
· Difficulty controlling anger
· Worsening of chronic health problems
· Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other substances
Fear and anxiety are natural, protective feelings that keep us alert to dangers in life. But when they are excessive, these feelings become distressing instead of protecting us. That is why it is important for yourself, your loved ones and the community you live in to try to keep your anxiety at a level that does not prevent you from coping with your current circumstances. The following tips may help you.
• Because you want to resolve uncertainty, various questions may come to mind. Try to ask questions whose answers are in your hands (for example, instead of asking “How much longer will we stay at home?”, ask and plan “How can I spend my day today, what can I do?”).
• Limit your social media use and get information from reliable sources (experts on the subject and scientific sources).
• Make an effort to stay in touch with the people around you. When your anxiety increases, talk to someone you know stays calm.
• Take good care of your body. You can do light exercise, meditation or yoga. Try them even if you think they will not work while your anxiety is high. You will see that you relax over time.
• Sleep is important for your physical and mental health. Not getting up in the morning to go to work or school may change your sleep pattern. Try to be active during the day even if you have nothing to do.
• Try to find relaxing activities you enjoy, and do not give up right away even if you find it hard to focus at first. You can also do this for a while to relax when you cannot manage to focus on studying.
• Continue your daily routines from before physical isolation, adapting them to the current conditions.
• You can make your surroundings more pleasant (you can arrange your space in a way that makes you feel good; you can buy candles, cushions, decorative items you like, etc., or make them yourself at home). Also try to arrange your study space so that you are comfortable enough without it keeping you from focusing on your classes.
• Looking over the topics of your classes in advance and doing a short preparation can help you focus. Taking notes in your own way to follow the classes makes it easier to maintain your attention and learn. If you notice that you are distracted while listening to a class and having difficulty following it, still try to continue; even if you cannot regain your focus, do not leave the class.
• Give yourself time; everyone adapts in a different way and at a different pace. Do not compare yourself with others. Everyone is learning over time to adapt to changes such as physical isolation and distance education in these extraordinary days. You can try to be understanding toward yourself and others in this regard.
Remember that you have enough strength and resources to cope with stressful situations like this. When you feel anxious, you can remind yourself of your resources (your loved ones, your ideals, your skills, etc.), seek support from those around you and offer support to them. When you feel you are struggling to cope, you may also consider getting support from a specialist.
At the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center, we are holding our sessions remotely in line with Covid-19 measures. For questions and appointments: pdrm@dso.bau.edu.tr
