Recommendations for staying calm and talking to children and older adults.
They advise against avoiding social contact despite physical distancing. 16/03/2020 Clarin.com
Staying connected to social circles, reducing news consumption, and amplifying positive stories are some of the recommendations the World Health Organization (WHO) gave for taking care of mental health in the face of the stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic . In its report "Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak," the WHO highlighted that public health authorities around the world are acting to contain the pandemic, "however, this time of crisis is generating stress in the population ."
Overall, the WHO recommended "being empathetic with all those affected, supporting those who need it most and amplifying positive and hopeful stories."
In a personalized advice format, they advised the public to "minimize watching, reading, or listening to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed" and emphasized the importance of seeking information only from reliable sources .
Meanwhile, for people who are complying with social isolation , a measure that has already begun to be replicated in several countries around the world, the WHO proposed maintaining social relationships and routine.
"Stay connected with your social circle. You can stay connected by email, social media, video conferencing, and telephone," they say, adding that "even when you are isolated, try as much as possible to maintain your personal daily routines or create new ones."
"Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep routines and eat healthy food," the WHO added.
For children, the organization recommended helping them find positive ways to express their feelings such as fear or sadness .
“Keep children close to their parents and family members. Maintain family routines as much as possible, or create new ones, especially if children must stay home,” they stated. However, local health authorities insist that, at least for a while, children and teenagers should avoid physical distance, especially from grandparents, as older adults are the most vulnerable to Covid-19.
Experts said that during times of stress, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding of their parents.
For older adults , it was indicated that they should have "practical and emotional support through family and health professionals."
"Older adults, especially those in isolation and with cognitive impairment or dementia, may become more anxious, angry, or withdrawn during the outbreak or quarantine," they warned.
In that regard, it was advised to share and explain simple facts about what is happening and to repeat the information as many times as necessary.
"Due to the growing concern about the pandemic in recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in cases or in the severity of anxiety and depression disorders in our patients: uncertainty, the feeling of being out of control, anguish, despair and panic are wreaking havoc on emotionally vulnerable patients," explained psychologist Patricia Faur, a professor at Favaloro University and UADE, specializing in relationships, to the Télam news agency.
The psychologist explained that "it is not the time to make decisions; when the environment is threatening, the best remedy is information, caution, emotional bonds, and care for oneself and others."
"Connections are a great buffer against stress . The feeling that we are in this challenge together is always reassuring," Faur concluded.