MORE THAN FATIGUE
Certainly, one of the big issues is depression… if you see changes in appetite (they eat too much or too little), if they are asleep most of the time or they aren’t sleeping at all, that’s when fatigue is getting more serious
@tribunephl_pau
Spending a couple of months in quarantine, or longer if you’re unlucky, is tiresome. Limited movements around the house, not to mention the repetitive activities that you find yourself doing, can get taxing as days go by.
There’s also the constant noise interrupting your work from home calls, cats jumping on your keyboard whenever you turn your laptop on, or the many times the delivery rider calls your name for another package you’ve bought. But there’s also the fear of catching the virus if you ever decide to do anything beyond your home. You’re left with no choice but to go about your life.
From the experts
In a virtual discussion hosted by Thomson and Reuters, Maribel Dionisio, a parenting and relationship specialist from The Love Institute, said that quarantine fatigue is an opportunity to turn around and do things differently because nothing is more important than the happiness of the people around you.
She said, “As much as possible, make your work flexible. Work on a new set of standards for yourself and your family as well so you can stay happy.”
Allan Dionisio, a family medicine practitioner, clinical toxicologist and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital, said that people should look out for signs of red flags experienced by those who are reacting to the fatigue a little differently.
“Certainly, one of the big issues is depression… if you see changes in appetite (they eat too much or too little), if they are asleep most of the time or they aren’t sleeping at all, that’s when fatigue is getting more serious,” said Dionisio.
For students coping with stress brought about from online classes, the Love Institute’s Dionisio advised that it is best to have a conversation with the child.
“We have to relax them more now. Have a conversation with your child, ask them, ‘How is it for you?’ rather than, ‘Hay nako wala ka magagawa, ganyan talaga muna (Oh, well, there’s nothing we can do. Just deal with it).’”
Let’s get personal
The truth is, I was forced to undergo home quarantine for the past month. I was in a room for more than two weeks with nothing but fear in my head thinking that I could possibly be infected with the virus.
I kept distracting myself most of the time. First, I tried watching movies on Netflix, start a new K-drama before convincing myself to write stories (which never went past a lead sentence anyway). For odd reasons, I just can’t seem to do all of it successfully.
I even forced myself to read Stephenie Meyer’s new book Midnight Sun, the novel that I have been waiting for almost 12 years. The Twilight saga spinoff, told from the perspective of Edward Cullen, had hit the shelves and fans who are funnily called ‘Twihards’ were once again back in Forks, Washington. It was the only thing keeping my mind busy as I remained isolated from the rest of my family and I’m not sure if Edward’s constant internal monologue, which I’m surprised were all full of angst, were enough to help me cope me with my situation.
The worst of my fears came. But good thing is that I have a strong support system. Now I’m living my second chance at life.