![]() Image adapted from: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels CC0 How can we best care for ourselves in isolation?īe-remotely-social. Technology can help us connect with others when we need to be physically distant. Put simply, when we are in ‘panic-mode’, we create distractions or are so overloaded cognitively that it is harder to make common-sense decisions. ![]() Some limited stocking of items may be necessary for covering a period of 14 days, but many stockpiling actions are not logical, especially given the serious community-wide effects they can trigger. An example is the stockpiling of items such as toilet paper, rice and pasta. When we see others acting nervously, it can make us feel nervous too. When we see others acting nervously, it can make us feel nervous too.Īnxiety feeds anxiety. Those who isolated themselves voluntarily fared somewhat better compared to those who were required to isolate. Not surprisingly, the most distress was due to uncertainties around isolation periods or supplies, long isolation times, financial losses, social stigma and guilt about potential infection of others. These can include low mood or depression, severe irritability and anxiety, increased levels of family conflict and domestic violence, increased consumption of alcohol and other substances, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research on previous pandemic quarantine responses such as SARS, Ebola and H1N1, as well as recent experience in China and Italy following COVID-19-related quarantining, found that there can be long-lasting effects for members of the public and health workers. If you have a history of clinical anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill-health, these things may be having even more impact on you. However, spending at least two weeks in one place can take its toll, with the strain on finances, social isolation or ‘ cabin fever’, fear of the unknown and fretting for your own health and others’ safety. Image adapted from: Bongkarn Thanyaki via Pexels CC0 What are the potential psychological risks? Many people need to stay home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This gives the opportunity for symptoms to show if you do have COVID-19. For example, the Australian Government currently requires all people who arrive in Australia, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, to self-isolate for 14 days. Certainly, if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, you’ll need to stay in hospital or, if well enough and in the right circumstances, at home, until your health professionals are confident you are not infectious.īut even if you’re not sick, you may need or choose to isolate or strictly limit interactions with others. It is absolutely vital to listen to the Australian Government’s advice and take sensible measures to protect ourselves and reduce the spread of disease. But the precautions needed to slow the spread of the disease, such as isolating yourself from others, may make you feel anxious and stressed, even if you’re not ill from the virus. COVID-19 is primarily a concern for our physical health. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |