We are currently experiencing a complicated health situation. The COVID-19 virus is a rapidly growing virus, and cases have increased significantly in just a few months.
Constant and sudden news may be alarming for your family. We recommend that you remain calm and consult reliable sources such as the World Health Organization to better understand the current circumstances. https://www.who.int/es
We know this can be difficult for many people. There may be times when the situation is overwhelming and you feel fear or anxiety. This is normal, and there are methods to help you resolve it.
A study conducted by the Mexican Association of Hospital Psychology entitled "Taking Care of My Mental Health During COVID-19" by psychologist Xaviera Gómez Pimienta establishes that constant exposure to news, social media, and information can affect our mental health.
It's normal to experience feelings of fear, uncertainty, sadness, and so on at this time. Some people are at greater risk due to personal characteristics such as age or chronic illnesses or immunodeficiencies. A person who identifies as a vulnerable group may experience high levels of anxiety, stress, frustration, and lack of control.
COVID-19 can trigger feelings of panic or anxiety. In this state, we are unable to make rational decisions, which is why we see people making impulsive decisions.
Let's use the following analogy when someone tells you: don't think of a pink elephant. What's the first thing that comes to mind? The first step is to accept the emotions and feelings you're experiencing, not try to hide or deny them. Once we see the state of anxiety, we can then apply different strategies to reduce it.
First you must identify if you have any of these symptoms:
Insomnia, difficulty sleeping or waking up several times during the night
Irritability
Feeling of restlessness
Feeling of pressure in the chest
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty relating to other people
Drastic mood swings
Changes in habits (eating, sleeping, routine)
If you have more than two symptoms, it's very important to consult a specialist if you're experiencing a condition that puts your mental health at risk. It's each of us's responsibility to seek the necessary help. Many therapists are implementing online consultations via video calls to support their patients and provide appropriate follow-up care.
At Bepensa, we understand that comprehensive health is key to overcoming all kinds of adversities, such as this lockdown. Therefore, we recommend actively addressing the health, safety, and well-being of all of us.
