With the world in turmoil, it’s hard to focus on anything—WFH, a Netflix sesh—while your phone is constantly blowing up with apocalyptic-type push notifications with what seems like a never-ending stream of bad news about coronavirus.
For many, it has become an incredibly anxious and lonely time. We spoke to one of the leading voices in mental health, Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, founder of Oman-based Whispers of Serenity Clinic, about how to look after yourself and your mental health during such unprecedented times.
Stay connected…
Social media is a helpful tool, especially nowadays as it offers the ability to stay in touch and actively interact with loved ones around the globe. It can also bring positive news amidst the outbreak of the disease – just bookmark some of your favourite sites *cough, CosmoMe.com* that bring you joy each day when logging on to read new content.
Seek professional help…
Human beings like certainty. So when we don’t generally feel safe, it’s normal to feel stressed. We may feel helpless about what will happen in times like these and our mental health can suffer. It’s important to talk to a trusted person or to your therapist, which is why our team has created a free support line for people who are anxious and struggling during the outbreak.
Acknowledge your feelings…
A defining feature of OCD is that a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts. Since these thoughts are very distressing, the person will carry out repetitive behaviors or rituals to achieve temporary relief. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and never to just shrug them of.
Take a break…
Take a break by finding a balance of exposure to news that works for you and, if possible, disconnect physically and mentally.
Rest…
Get enough rest and sleep to help you stay focused on work and on managing the stress the current outbreak can bring. Your emotions will be heightened if you’re tired and restless.