COVID-19 AND MANAGING ANXIETY

ANXIETY MANAGEMENT AMIDST CHAOS

Perspective view

"Stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority." Are the most frequent words in media outlets on the COVID-19 pandemic news coverage, encouraged by the World Health Organization. As much as information is power, having a powerful mental state can not be taken for granted during such hard-nosed times. Consumption of overwhelming negative news on the Coronavirus pandemic endangers the stability of proper mental health. Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity as defined by WHO. 

Acknowledgment of the role of mental health has proved to contribute a great deal, in achieving global development goals with the recent incorporation of mental health into the sustainable development goal. Feeding the mind with unlimited negative information can take a toll on the psychological state of humans who are nonetheless vulnerable. We are rather languishing in the uncertainty of the future with fear of the unseen, yet mother nature promises better days amidst this chaos. Just like separating the wheat from the chuff, man must choose his level of consumption of information so as to have a sound mind. Depression, anxiety, stress to name just a few psychological impacts, which put children, elderly and women in the vulnerable list. Incredibly, the mind could be like a huge fertile farm, the choice of planting roses or vegetables is sitting squarely on your decision table.

A healthier mind is a wealthier life. Embracing positivity only yields positive results, therefore we need to take timely measures for our mental health and the importance of self-care. First, limiting consumption of every news or updates coming your way, just have few reliable sources. 

Time-piece

This will give you a sense of direction, reduce anxiety brought in by fake news and give you control. Secondly, surround yourself with a better company that gives you support and positive vibes. The internet has made the world a global village, take advantage of it. Use social media for connectedness which is important for our mental well-being. Thirdly, take advantage of the free time by engaging in physical exercise to elevate your esteem. Avoid habits like too much drinking, drugs and smoking as these ventures do more harm than good. It is okay to feel vulnerable amidst these chaotic moments, we can not always control what happens to us but certainly, we can control how we react.

Josh Billings once said, ''Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.'' The symphony of life is creating an artistic balance in everything you do. Caregivers, patients and the medics on the frontline of this Coronavirus pandemic are exposed to great psychological degradation. We can overcome stress and anxiety posed to us by addressing the short-term and eventually the long-term psychosocial support. Mental health is of great importance to the socio-economic wellness of individuals and nations in times of crisis. Mental health is precious hence importance of self-care.

Artistic piece

Feed your soul with positivity and change your perspective, approach life with rationality and balance, the world around you eventually might change. ''Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold and your health is wealth.'' Zig Ziglar.