Write an article on effects of
coronavirus pandemic on the mental and emotional
health of the people around. Express your concern by
suggesting the ways to overcome it.
Answers
Answer:
COVID-19 has and is likely to affect people from many countries, in many geographical locations.
When referring to people with COVID-19, do not attach the disease to any particular ethnicity or
nationality. Be empathetic to all those who are affected, in and from any country. People who are
affected by COVID-19 have not done anything wrong, and they deserve our support, compassion
and kindness.
2. Do not refer to people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases”, “victims” “COVID-19 families” or
“the diseased”. They are “people who have COVID-19”, “people who are being treated for
COVID-19”, or “people who are recovering from COVID-19”, and after recovering from COVID-19
their life will go on with their jobs, families and loved ones. It is important to separate a person
from having an identity defined by COVID-19, in order to reduce stigma.
3. Minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes you to feel anxious
or distressed; seek information only from trusted sources and mainly so that you can take practical
steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at
specific times during the day, once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports
about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts; not rumours and
misinformation. Gather information at regular intervals from the WHO website and local health
authority platforms in order to help you distinguish facts from rumours. Facts can help to minimize
fears.
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4. Protect yourself and be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit
both the person receiving support and the helper. For example, check by telephone on neighbours
or people in your community who may need some extra assistance. Working together as one
community can help to create solidarity in addressing COVID-19 together.
5. Find opportunities to amplify positive and hopeful stories and positive images of local people who
have experienced COVID-19. For example, stories of people who have recovered or who have supported
a loved one and are willing to share their experience.
6. Honour carers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with COVID-19 in your
community. Acknowledge the role they play in saving lives and keeping your loved ones safe.
Messages for healthcare workers
7. Feeling under pressure is a likely experience for you and many of your colleagues. It is quite
normal to be feeling this way in the current situation. Stress and the feelings associated with it are
by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak. Managing your mental
health and psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing your physical
health.
8. Take care of yourself at this time. Try and use helpful coping strategies such as ensuring sufficient
rest and respite during work or between shifts, eat sufficient and healthy food, engage in physical
activity, and stay in contact with family and friends. Avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as
use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. In the long term, these can worsen your mental and physical
well-being. The COVID-19 outbreak is a unique and unprecedented scenario for many workers,
particularly if they have not been involved in similar responses. Even so, using strategies that have
worked for you in the past to manage times of stress can benefit you now. You are the person most
likely to know how you can de-stress and you should not be hesitant in keeping yourself
psychologically well. This is not a sprint; it’s a marathon