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“And my greatest fear is fear, fear lest I not fear it” (Aggelakas)

During this uncertain time, the fear of the virus, of the unknown and of loneliness is equally dangerous.

The risk of an epidemic in itself upsets our psyche, as it reveals our vulnerability and drags to the surface the anguish of a serious illness.

Our existential fears come and knock on our door more loudly than at other times. At this stage, the feeling of losing control of our daily lives increases insecurity and gives rise to feelings of discomfort, even existential threat.

Fear creates anxiety, and anxiety in turn makes it difficult for us to calm down, breathe well, can create rapid heartbeats and affect our immune system.

Sometimes, it is completely expected that all people worry about their health, but for some, this worry increases to a degree that can create serious difficulties in their daily functioning.

In the current coronavirus situation, where there is a need for constant attention, distance and personal hygiene, phenomena of hypochondriasis and compulsive behaviors appear in order to be safe.

Our minds can overestimate the risk and our ability to deal with it. In some people with the right background, the pandemic may be the one that will cause obsessive-compulsive disorder for the first time, since it triggers or rekindles phobias.

When the feeling of fear of contamination is created, it leads to excessive “rituals” of cleanliness in the home or in the body, but without our mental discharge.

Hypochondriasis is a psychological condition in which physical discomfort and a feeling of fear for health appear, to a high degree. This condition is therefore likely to appear in this period we are going through. However, we must remember to observe what is real and to what extent, because real difficulties can be overcome, only imaginary ones are invincible.

GUIDES TO PROTECT OURSELVES MENTALLY

• We focus on the present, we live the moment and each day separately as best we can. We accept the emotions we experience, such as: fear, sadness, anger, etc. All of these emotions are completely normal in this difficult time.

• We check our knowledge. One cause of hypochondriasis is a lack of understanding of the function of bodily sensations and warning signs. This lack of knowledge can lead to misinterpretation of the signals sent by the body.

• Mindfulness. We listen to what is actually happening in our body and not what we fear will happen. Let’s not further increase our panic with frightening thoughts.

• We remind ourselves that the intense somatic symptoms we feel are nothing more than an exaggeration of the normal physical symptoms that every person feels when experiencing stress.

• Prevention (i.e. following the instructions of international health organizations) is always something that can protect us from any outbreak of anxiety for our health.

• Positive activities can reduce the feeling of insecurity for our health, since they can strengthen our immune system and the functioning of our brain.

• We share what we think or what we experience with our own people in order to express ourselves and ultimately release ourselves emotionally.

• We try relaxation techniques to reduce stress and increase well-being. Suggested ideas are the progressive muscle relaxation technique and the mindfulness method.