How to preserve your mental health in the times of epidemics and pandemics


  Today I have decided to take off the hat of a poet and wear the hat of a mental health epidemiologist, researcher and a doctor and provide you with as many facts as possible about the effect of pandemics on mental health and what we can do to preserve it during these tough times. We can't deny the fact that world is going through a very difficult phase of Coronavirus pandemic at this point, and there is a lot of fake and over exaggerated news floating around on all online and media platforms. Being an epidemiologist, researcher and a doctor my job is to point you towards the most reliable and scientific resources and information out there. 
  Just to let you know, I have taken all the information from sources such as CDC and WHO websites. I will be putting those links below for you to read and get informed from the right place.
  Before I get started on this I want to touch base with a few technical definitions as per the dictionary:
1    Epidemic – “an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population”
2    Pandemic – “This term is used to describe a disease that has spread in an entire country or whole world”
   Recently the World health organization or WHO has labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic.There are high amounts of stress, anxiety, stigma and phobias linked to any kind of epidemic or pandemic, and every person responds to stress differently depending on their personal characteristics, available resources and information.However, the people who are hit the hardest are those who have pre-existing mental disorders, or those who have been working day in and out at the scene to combat these epidemics. Their symptoms can flare up, they can have difficulty sleeping, eating or concentrating, or they can resort to drugs and alcohol. Therefore it is very important to keep our mental health in check during these tough times. Here are some guidelines or tips which can be used as per WHO and CDC for this purpose:
  1. When in doubt, turn towards science: Don’t read unnecessary or sensationalized news or messages regarding coronavirus on television or social media. When in doubt go to reliable sources such as CDC, WHO or your state or local health department websites and advisories. Remember that currently all public health professionals and health care workers are doing their very best and working hard 24/7 to deal with this pandemic and getting you as many facts as they possibly can.
  2. Prioritize health: Stick to your daily routine as much as possible. Exercise and meditate regularly, have a well-balanced healthy diet, get good sleep and refrain from alcohol and drugs. This will not only help you build your immune system but will also help you to remain positive.
  3. Be optimistic: Think positive and don’t lose hope. I know that it is a concerning issue right now especially due to the fact that scientists currently do not know a lot about this virus, it is spreading like wildfire and we currently do not have a vaccine to prevent it. But think about the positive aspects which we know so far about this disease, for example majority of the times COVID-19 is a mild illness, death rate is relatively lower especially in the young and healthy, children between the ages 0 to 10 are being spared, and you can practice precautionary measures such as hand washing, covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing, limiting unnecessary travel and avoiding large gatherings to prevent it. See the glass half full instead of half empty!
  4. Talk it out: If you are feeling anxious or stressful then talk it out, talk to someone who is close to you. Connect with your friends and family. Take some time off from watching the news and indulge in hobbies that you like.
  5. Seek help: Talk to your health care provider or therapist if you think you are not able to control your anxiety by any of the measures I just mentioned.
  6.  Be compassionate: Empathize with people who have been tested positive, or are being treated for COVID-19. Sure, protect yourself but do not judge them. This is not the time to judge but to help and support each other. Remember these people will eventually be fine and go on with their lives, work and jobs.
  7. Inspire others: Whenever possible share positive stories, experiences, and facts on social media platforms to ease each other’s anxieties and concerns.
  8. Remember this too shall pass: We have handled a lot of epidemics and pandemics in the past and we will handle this too! There comes a sunrise after every dark night! I know it is a little philosophical and poetic but can't help it :) 
  In the end I just want to mention that no epidemic, pandemic or disease is greater than humanity. If we keep our mental sanity intact during these nerve wrecking times and support each other, we all can contribute in our own little ways to overcome them. So please do take care of your mental health not just in the times of pandemics but every day.

Mental health information in COVID-19
1.       CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html
2.       WHO - https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_2

Covid-19 information
  1.        Coronavirus facts - CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
  2.       COVID advisory information WHO -  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
  3.       Coronavirus condition overview https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus


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