Posted by: Admin

Addressing Mental Health: Stress during Covid 19

Stress is a natural reaction and is experienced by each one of us at various  occasions. And during Covid 19 pandemic, many feel stressed due to isolation, scare and confusion. Signs of stress may include

  • Physical Reactions: headaches, muscle pain, back pain, difficulty in sleeping, lack of appetite etc
  • Behavioural Reactions: Violence, avoiding regular activities, lack of motivation etc
  • Emotional Reactions: feeling scared, angry, sad etc

Any one or combination of the following measures will be helpful to overcome from stress:

  • Encourage the person to think of something they can do to feel better.

Like, what has helped the person earlier in similar situation or is there any person who can help or any activities they do earlier to overcome stress earlier etc.

If the above is not working, then

  • On a paper or in head, list down the things the person is grateful for.
  • Do Exercise, walk or dance.
  • Do an activity the person enjoy or involve in hobby. Find something meaningful every day.
  • Engage in creative activities like drawing, craft, writing, singing, art etc
  • Listen to music or radio
  • Speak to a friend or a family member.
  • Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
  • Do slow breathing exercises. Inhale while counting to 3 and exhale while counting to 6 after holding it for few seconds.

IASC in association with World Health Organisation has published a book titled Basic Psychosocial Skills – A Guide for Covid-19 responders. Download Guide https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/2020-05/Basic%20Psychosocial%20Skills-%20A%20Guide%20for%20COVID-19%20Responders.pdf