COVID- 19… a storm of emotion to manage
It is now established that 2020 will be a year that everyone will remember and that will require our adaptation. In the context of a pandemic, it's normal to have all kinds of reactions including stress, anxiety or depression.
These reactions can manifest themselves in several ways:
• Physical plan: headache, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite and feeling tired;
• Psychological level: worries, insecurity in connection with the virus, feeling of being overwhelmed by events, helplessness, sadness, anger, internal speech not always being a reflection of reality;
• Behavioral plan: difficulty concentrating, irritability, aggressiveness ( including towards family members since we spend much more time together under stress), crying, withdrawal, difficulty making decisions, increased consumption of alcohol, drugs or medication.
It is important to be kind to yourself, to allow yourself the right to be imperfect and the time to find new ways of doing things. It means trying things, accepting to be wrong, and persevering.
Some tips to better manage this crisis:
• Put yourself in action: donate your time, blood, offer help to those around you ( ex: grocery shopping for an elderly person), offer your candidacy to www.jebenevole.ca
• Obtain information from official and reliable sources;
• Avoid overexposure to the media, as the overexposed brain is more worried; choose a time per day ( eg noon) to listen to or read the news;
• Remain attentive to your feelings, emotions and reactions, and give yourself permission to express them to someone you trust or by means of writing, physical activity or otherwise;
• Create a new routine taking into account your professional and family reality;
• Practice a physical activity that relieves stress and eliminates tension. Follow the PSP CFB Bagotville Facebook page for daily workouts;
• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as good nutrition and adequate sleep hours;
• Having fun, relaxing, spending energy, having fun;
• Stay in ( virtual) contact with the people who do us good.
If you want to know more about COVID – 19, consult the official website of the government of Quebec on this subject.
Need help? Consult the different numbers at the bottom of this page.
You are not alone!