The ongoing covid19 has left its mark on the lives of people worldwide in ways unimaginable. A disease that divides and isolates when all you need is the care and a sense of togetherness, cannot be more devastating. But with a recovery rate of 98%, 98 people out of 100 get physically recovered to lead a normal life; the fear of contracting the coronavirus can still send chills down the spine for any individual. Science, however, has done a lot to take care of the physiology of a person. But scarring on one’s emotional state, due to the fear of contracting the virus, seeing a loved one succumb in front helplessly, or merely learning their positive results in an RT PCR test, is yet to be healed and has severe long-term implications.
Quoting a famous Greek philosopher, ‘Man is a social animal’ who cannot live peacefully when isolated. With no surefire cure available for covid19, self-isolation is the only wise way to mitigate the spread. However, this solution remains in stark contrast to innate human nature. Severe psychological disorders driven by short and prolonged isolation are emerging across the globe in huge numbers, such as panic, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, and depression. Today the mere words, “You are tested positive for coronavirus”, after taking the RT PCR test in Gurgaon, Delhi, or anywhere in the world, can throw anybody’s emotional state into a dark abyss.
Many health organizations, renowned psychologists, and doctors are sharing ways to deal with the emotional toll of covid-19 diagnosis; here are 7 best tips that are worth considering:
Avoid Social Media
In today’s digital era, everybody is connected to the happenings around the world. The endless stories of compassion and kindness have filled social media at the peak of a novel coronavirus, but so were the numerous dreadful and heart-wrenching untimely death stories. Even health opinions, ranging from personal to those promoting unscientific cures, can add more confusion while the body needs rest and solace. Thus, instead of using this public media platform as an escape that might make you more anxious, it should be best avoided to give your mind more calmness and peace after you’ve been diagnosed positive.
Vent Out Your Feelings
There is no denying the fact that whatever emotions we repress, they will resurface sooner or later in any form. It may leave you more stressed, lower your immune system and make healing tougher to pretend you’re not fearful of the disease. Instead, call a loved one and let them listen to your fears while you vent out your feelings. Or, write them down whenever you’re having a train of thoughts or an outburst. You can navigate through your fears and move on accordingly. Letting out your feelings help you understand your emotions better which will help you grow as a person.
Practice Self-Compassion
One of the most important ways to deal with an emotional meltdown, especially when you’re diagnosed positive for covid-19, is self-compassion. Seeing yourself isolated from your loved ones may make you feel bad about yourself. It may incite emotions of guilt for putting your family at risk, anger at someone you may think you’ve contracted the virus from, or regret for not getting vaccinated on time. Being harsh on yourself can worsen the recovery. Recognizing that everyone suffers, and we’re all flawed, in some way or the other, brings the same kindness towards yourself that you have for others. Love yourself the way you love others to practice self-compassion.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is another effective way to strengthen not only your immune system but also your concentration and emotional intelligence. Observe your thoughts to see if they’re oscillating from the past (Why has it happened to me? What did I do wrong?) towards the future (What if I will be hospitalized and put on oxygen?). Knowing that the past cannot be changed and the future is only imaginable, these chains of thoughts are not easy to manage, but being aware of them is the first step to mitigate them. Even if you’re diagnosed positive after taking the RT PCR test in Gurgaon, Jaipur, or any other city, being mindful of your present-day and each moment can provide enough strength for rapid recovery. Renowned labs, such as SpiceHealth, are providing home sample collection services. You can easily book your RT PCR test in Gurgaon online and get your sample collected at the comfort of your home.
Ask For Help
Sadly, asking for help is still seen as a sign of weakness in our society. However, the ones who ask for support when they need it are not only stronger but reap more benefits out of it. It is crucial to understand that after being tested positive, self-isolation is not only good to recover from a viral attack but also beneficial for the society at large to prevent the spread. Rather than doing things yourself, it is perfectly fine to ask for help, even for small things, like dropping a meal at the door, etc. Suffering in silence will make it worse by increasing your stress and anxiety. Sometimes, it is best to take a step forward and ask for help to realize it is available more than ever.
Focus on Getting Healthy
After testing positive for covid19, symptoms may vary from person to person. Whatever the case be, the focus should always be on getting healthy. Create a disciplined schedule as soon as you’re feeling fine enough, such as waking up early, stretching and exercising, taking a warm bath, eating healthy food on time, having a sound sleep, meditating, listening to music, etc. Your physical and emotional bodies are interconnected. As soon as you feel physically healthy, it brings your emotional state to rest as well.
Fan the Flames Of Your Faith
The power of faith cannot be underrated, especially when you’re diagnosed with covid19. Maintaining a sense of hope and drawing strength from your beliefs can help bring comfort during tough times. Taking time to read self-help books, connecting with a spiritual leader in your faith community, or simply manifesting on positive notes and affirmations, can bring peace and calm that will aid in mental and emotional wellness.
Following the above tips can surely bring more power to boost your immune system to fight off the illness. You can also expect the emotional toll of a covid19 diagnosis to fade away once you’ve fully recovered. However, life’s challenges are endless, and continuing these self-care practices will ensure emotional wellness and wellbeing throughout.
