"Every case is different. Being alone isn't the same as being with the whole family. Nor is it the same for people who continue to work or those who have all their free time. However, given the abnormality of this situation, according to José David Téllez, psychiatrist and head of the Mental Health Department at Clínica Universitaria Colombia de Colsanitas.
From these differences, the mind in isolation will also behave in a particular way, perhaps producing some moments of restlessness, anxiety, fear, or sadness.
1. Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Effects of social isolation: Two types of situations can arise. The first involves symptoms of anxiety, and the second involves symptoms of depression, without necessarily leading to a depressive or anxiety disorder.
Depressive or sad symptoms generally appear when a large part of the day is spent missing one's daily routine or social relationships. These thoughts create a feeling of nostalgia, preventing one from enjoying other activities such as spending time with family or reading a book.
Other symptoms, such as anxiety, are generated by catastrophic thoughts. Focusing your routine on information about the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to these.
Time should be spent on other types of activities such as watching movies, reading, board games, exercising at home, cooking, meditation, among others, which will considerably alleviate these types of thoughts.
2. Those Who Are Alone at Home
Recommendations for those who are alone: Those who are completely alone in their confinement location should connect with their social circle through social media, video calls, or virtual games. This helps mitigate the feeling of loneliness and prevents negative effects.
It's important to spend time doing activities that keep your mind occupied. Meditation or prayer are some options. Although your routine may be affected during this period, it's necessary to adapt to it in order to face it with the best attitude.
3. Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions
People with diagnosed depression: Those with a diagnosed depressive disorder and established treatment should continue their treatment uninterrupted.
4. Perception of Time
Loss of time perception: the perception that every day is the same day. The only thing that changes, since you're always at home, is day and night. It's important for people to have a calendar and a clock visible.
Social visits can be replaced with a video call on the weekends, during which you can engage in various activities. This will mitigate that feeling of losing track of time.
5. Those Who Work from Home
Working from home: It is recommended to perform activities at the same time as usual in the office, taking the same active breaks and maintaining the same intensity.
Although conditions change, it's important to designate a space at home as a workspace. Household chores should be done in separate or separate spaces. Family support is essential.
6. Suicidal Thoughts
Attention to suicidal thoughts during this time: If you experience any such thoughts, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room. The best thing to do when in doubt is to accompany the person to an emergency room immediately. Do not attempt to help a person in this state alone.
7. Mothers and Pregnant Women
Recommendations for pregnant women and mothers of young children: Expectant mothers should resume psychoprophylactic courses to develop breathing and stretching exercises, as well as all the recommendations for the final stages of pregnancy. It is important to continue with routines that can be adapted to be carried out at home and to take the situation calmly, keeping in mind that this is a more sensitive time.
Mothers of young children, depending on their age, should establish routines through play and learning. Follow through on school commitments and guide them patiently, establishing schedules for homework and assignments, as well as rest and meal periods.
8. The Mind and Body Need Activity
Keep your mind and body active: It's important not to let your mind get weak during this period. You shouldn't count the days or consume information excessively, as this exhausts your mind and increases the likelihood of impatience or burnout.
Exercise becomes the best ally. Training at the intensity each person is accustomed to will help clear the mind and keep the body active. Prayer and meditation are also assertive calming practices that will help keep the spirit healthy, achieving balance and maintaining a sense of well-being.
9. Insomnia
Sleep disorders: Sadness is one of the biggest causes of sleep disorders. Faced with this feeling, people often stay in bed for long hours, and doing so makes it difficult for the mind to fall asleep at night.
Another problem is taking frequent naps. This can be confused with waking sleep, and can reverse sleep patterns. That's why it's essential to respect the space and time.
10. Increased or Decreased Appetite
Appetite disturbances: With symptoms of sadness, appetite is likely to decrease, and conversely, if symptoms of anxiety occur, appetite is likely to increase, which is unhealthy.
It's important to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber to ensure you're consuming foods that nourish you and won't harm you.
The final recommendation is to maintain routines and set schedules to avoid falling into pessimism and maintain mental, physical, and emotional balance.
Fountain:
https://www.portafolio.co/tendencias/como-cuidar-su-salud-mental-durante-el-aislamiento-539631