Be Compassionate

These can be difficult times for all of us as we hear about spread of COVID-19 from all over the world, through television, social media, newspapers, family and friends and other sources. The most common emotion faced by all is Fear. It makes us anxious, panicky and can even possibly make us think, say or do things that we might not consider appropriate under normal circumstances. Therefore, “Be Compassionate” is to stand in solidarity with the suffering humanity and promote peace and harmony to prevent untoward incidences out of helplessness and hopelessness and discrimination. It also means to reduce the ill-impact of social disconnect through helpline for psychosocial support and show empathy and solidarity.

  • It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.
  • If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle - including timely and proper diet, sleep & exercise.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs or smoke to deal with your emotions If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a friend whom you trust or health worker or a counsellor.
  • Reduce worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.
  • If you had old hobbies like painting, gardening or stitching, go back to them. Rediscover your hobbies to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.
  • At times of anxiety, practice breathing slowly for a few minutes. Try and distance the thoughts that are making you anxious. Think of something calm and serene that makes you happy.Remain focused on such things.
  • When feeling angry and irritated, calming your mind, counting back from 10 to 1, distracting yourself helps.
  • Even when feeling afraid, deal with it by asking yourself:
    • What is under my control?
    • Am I unnecessarily worrying about the worst thing that can happen?
    • When I have been stressed in the past, how have I managed?
    • What are the things I can do to help myself and be positive?
  • Feeling lonely or sad is also quite common. Stay connected with others. Communication can help you to connect with family and friends. Call up people whom you haven’t spoken to and surprise them. Discuss happy events, common interests, exchange cooking tips, share music.
  • If any of these emotions persist continuously for several days, despite your trying to get out of it, talk about it with someone.
  • Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated, bedwetting etc. Respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra love and attention would help them to open up.
  • Children need adults’ love and attention during difficult times. Give them extra time and attention. Remember to listen to your children, speak kindly and reassure them. If possible, make opportunities for the child to play and relax.
  • Provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they can best understand depending on their age.
  • Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible, or help create new ones in a new environment, including school/learning as well as time for safely playing and relaxing.
  • Please spend time with children in what they are interested to do.
  • If you have an underlying health condition, make sure to have access to any medications that you are currently using. Activate your social contacts to provide you with assistance, if needed.
  • Share simple facts about what is going on and give clear information about how to reduce risk of infection in words older people with/without cognitive impairment can easily understand. Repeat the information whenever necessary. Instructions need to be communicated in a clear, concise, respectful and patient way.
  • Older adults, especially in isolation and those with cognitive decline/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated and withdrawn during the outbreak or while in quarantine. Provide practical and emotional support through informal networks (families) and health professionals.
  • Learn simple daily physical exercises to perform at home, in quarantine or in isolation so you can maintain mobility and reduce boredom.

 

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