Fortifying the Self

 

                                                 (image: youtube.com)

Tagkuyba, tagsawan, ya na ko kasabot sa ako tagbati! As the COVID 19 mutated into several variants like Delta, the newsfeed of the social media sites seem to become like the obituary. The viewers seem to intensify the fear in them that their feelings oftentimes segue to become depressive bouts.

For many people, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We still don’t know exactly how we’ll be impacted, how long this will last, or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to catastrophize and spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic.

Nervousness and anxiety in a society affect everyone to a large extent. Recent evidence suggests that people who are kept in isolation and quarantine experience significant levels of anxiety, anger, confusion, and stress. At large, all of the studies that have examined the psychological disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic have reported that the affected individuals show several symptoms of mental trauma, such as emotional distress, depression, stress, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress, and anger (Salari, et al., 2020).

Yes, these things are happening brought about by the pandemic. Research has also shown that frequent media exposure may cause distress. Lee Chambers said: Some of the potential reasons why [this may happen] include high levels of exposure to social media and news, disruption to routines and anchors caused by lockdowns and restrictions, and difficulties disengaging from the threatening stimuli, including [virus] variants and the situation in other countries.

That is why, it is unhealthy to constantly tinker on your phone and see sad stories about death happening around especially if you have the tendency to be depressive.

Despite vaccines and a decrease in disease prevalence, some people experience what scientists call COVID-19 anxiety syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome mimic those of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And, the pandemic and related factors appear to be the cause.

So, how to avoid these things from happening?

The Medical News Today suggests: Consider actively seeking out positive messages around improvements in the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and how the risk of death from the disease appears to be lessening due to new treatment options. Also, take things slow despite the expectation for a rapid return to normalcy. Step outside comfort zones at an individual pace while still practicing safety measures to “ease back into a place of harmony” gradually.

Remember, we are the ones controlling our emotions. If we give in to fear, we might lower our own immune system. These times need strong WILL to survive. We have to continue arming ourselves with the physical heath and following the protocols mandated by the health department.

Explain feelings of anxiety to a trusted person to build mutual understanding. This increases confidence and allows others to provide the support needed when venturing outside the home.

We have to strengthen our faith as well. Enrich the belief that ALL WILL BE FINE soon.