Blog

Scientifically reviewed by Stelios Kaparos, Psychiatrist, Scientific Associate, Athens Medical Center

COVID-19 – We need to remain vigilant, but always within the bounds of reason

The whole world is talking about coronavirus (COVID-19). The internet is flooded with articles and information, we are being bombarded with alarming messages, and all our colleagues seem to be talking about nothing else.

The uncertainty surrounding this potentially life-threatening virus has caused enormous concern among the general public. So, if you are beginning to feel that you are losing your composure and are becoming overwhelmed simply by thinking about COVID-19, you are not alone.

If we want to reduce our fear and anxiety about COVID-19, we should keep the following two facts in mind:

• Doctors know what they need to do and are trained in the management of viral respiratory infections.

• We can take measures to protect ourselves and others.

As far as you are concerned, you probably already know what you need to do in order to avoid getting sick, since it is essentially the same as what you do to protect yourself from influenza and many other infections.

Wash your hands properly, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, avoid touching your face, stay away from people who are ill, avoid crowded places and stay at home as much as possible.

Although the full natural history of the disease is not yet known and the spread of and illness from COVID-19 continue worldwide, we can focus on controlling its transmission.

It is human and entirely understandable for each of us to experience difficulties such as the following:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Problems concentrating

• Anger, anxiety, worry and panic about our health

• A feeling of being unable to control our environment

• Fear of people who are coughing or appear ill

• Social withdrawal

Ways to manage your anxiety about coronavirus

• Know the facts. It is important to stay informed and continue learning the latest information about COVID-19 from reliable sources. Be cautious about what you read online, especially when it comes to comments or articles shared through social media.

• Keep things in perspective. You will naturally want to stay continuously informed about COVID-19, but it is important to do so only to the extent that you can manage. Take a break from the news and social media if you notice that a news report or an article you have just read online is causing you to panic. If endless conversations about coronavirus are upsetting you, try to change the subject whenever you can.

• Be cautious and self-aware. Not everyone you come into contact with has been exposed to COVID-19. Precautionary and preventive measures are particularly important at this stage, but this does not mean that everyone who coughs has the virus. Self-awareness is an important part of reducing public anxiety. Focus on what you can do.

• Try to maintain some sense of normality. This may be difficult with travel and events being cancelled, schools closing and your mind constantly focused on the need to maintain so-called “social distancing”. However, it is important to try to keep a relatively normal routine. Routine helps most people, and especially children, feel safe. Try to maintain normal sleeping and meal times and focus on activities that make you feel happy – for example, read a book, watch your favourite programme or play a board game with your family. Or go for a walk. As long as you are not in quarantine, a little fresh air will not hurt!

If you find that you are unable to control your worries, seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify the triggers that cause this reaction and provide you with tools to practise managing it when you feel overwhelmed by anxiety.