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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on all of our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be very stressful, can overwhelm us, and cause strong emotions in children and adults. Yes, public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they bring in a sense of isolation and loneliness and can increase stress and anxiety. One should know the triggers or signs they are facing due to the pandemic situation or for those who had been the caretakers of COVID-19 survivors to help them become aware and resilient.
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Sameer is a 35-year-old guy who has been working in a private company in Noida as a software engineer. He started his counseling when he tested positive during his third day of quarantine.&nbsp; He had severe anxiety symptoms with overthinking and negative talks. Whenever the counselor calls her, he speaks at a rapid pace and starts discussing the number of deaths from COVID-19 in India over the past few days. He goes on to ask, &ldquo;How many days of quarantine are required for me? What if 14 days are not enough? Can COVID-19 spread from me to my family members even after 14 days? When should I get re-tested? What precautions should I take to avoid giving it to my wife? I wish I knew how I could find out about all this properly.&rdquo; Without waiting for the counselor to reply, he continues, &ldquo;I am checking many different websites every day to know exactly what is happening. I have also downloaded the AarogyaSetu App and I keep checking it for any updates about COVID-19. I want to know everything, but I am so confused, there are no clear guidelines. Somebody says something, then they will say something else the next day. Can you tell me what to do?&rdquo;
Like Sameer, the pandemic has been hard on those with pre-existing anxiety issues or been a trigger for more fear and worry to develop.&nbsp;Thinking that the constant negative emotions seen in Anxiety, PTSD, or depression will go away on their own can end up deteriorating your mental health further. It is okay and necessary to take help. If you have concerns or experience worsening symptoms, be upfront about them and reach out for help. For this, you can :
1. Call or use social media to contact a close friend or loved one &mdash; even though it may be hard to talk about your feelings and get counseling or ask for a referral to a mental health professional.
2. Call your primary care provider or mental health professional to ask about appointment options to talk about your anxiety or depression and get advice and guidance.
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A CASE STUDY OF A POST-COVID SURVIVOR:

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Some curative measures for those suspected or confirmed to help during Covid-19:
1. Practice self-regulation strategies
2. Monitor your symptoms and take good health care
3. Stay home to get medical care
4. Do not share your personal household items
5. Regularly wash hands and keep them clean
6. Maintain social distance&nbsp;
7. Monitor your blood oxygen level&nbsp;
8. Have a nutritious diet
9. Watch out for other symptoms
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These strong feelings might fade when the pandemic is over, but the psychological issues affecting you may not disappear from your life when the health crisis of COVID-19 is over. Continue the use of the above practices to take care of your mental health and improve your ability to cope with life's challenges.
Last but not the least, GET COVID-19 VACCINATION! Even if you have had COVID, there&rsquo;s an advisory of being vaccinated after a certain period post covid recovery. We are all in this together! Seek psychological help if required as it&rsquo;s not taboo to discuss your mental health problems with a psychologist or any mental health professional. Come forward and share. We promise it would be worth it!
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CURATIVES FOR PANDEMIC AND POST-PANDEMIC

Mental Health & Mindful Living