According to the Business Insider, surviving COVID-19, involves fighting and overcoming a physical, psychological and emotional battle. Some patients and survivors have reported that the experience has triggered panic attacks and led to overwhelming anxiety for the first time in their lives.
This is supported by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which says, people respond to the of COVID-19 differently depending on their background, social support from family or friends, financial situation, employment situation, health and emotional background, the communities they live in, and many other factors.
Furthermore, necessary public health actions aimed at containing the virus, such as social distancing, guarantee and even self-isolation, can make people feel isolated and lonely, factors which can also increase stress, anxiety and panic disorders.
To manage these feelings people are advised to:
- Know what to do should they get COVID-19
- Know where and how to get treatment for COVID-19
- Know where to get other support services and resources, including counselling or therapy (in person or through online services).
- Take care of their emotional health, as it will help them to think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect themselves and their families.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and result in increased stress
- Take care of their bodies.
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- Take deep breaths or stretch
- Try to eat healthy and well balanced meals
- Exercise regularly
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and abusing drugs
- Make time to unwind by participating in other activities
- Connect and talk with people they trust about their concerns and how they are feeling
- Connect with community or faith-based organizations whilst respecting social distancing measures put in place. For instance, connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.
