SAFEGUARDING OUR MENTAL HEALTH IN TIMES OF COVID-19

Handling Social isolation

1. Keep yourself busy. Have a regular schedule
2. Rekindle your hobbies like painting, gardening or stitching
3. Eat well and drink plenty of fluids
4. Be physically active. Do simple indoor exercises to keep you fit
5. Sharing is caring. Be willing to share if someone needs food or other essentials
6. Elderly people may feel confused & lost. Help them get what they need like medicines, groceries, etc.
7. If you have children involve them in household chores to make them feel responsible & to acquire new skills

Focus on Facts, Reject Rumours

1. Access only reliable source of information
2. FAKE NEWS Information Do not spread or share an unverified news 
3. Practice hand hygiene maintain socal distancing, etc
4. Follow etiquette of sneezing, coughing, avoiding spitting in public places, etc
5. Most Corona cases are mild which do not require hospitalisation

Handling Emotional Issues

Feeling lonely or sad is quite common. Stay connected with your family & friends

Even when feeling afraid, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is under my control?
2. Am unnecessarily worrying about the worst thing that can happen?
3. When I have been stressed in the past, how have managed?
4. What are the things I can do to help myself & be positive?
5. Handling Emotional Issues
6. Practice breathing slowly for a few minutes
7. Think of something calm & serene
8. To calm your mind count back from 10 to 1
9. Discuss happy events, common interests exchange cooking tips share music with others
10. if loneliness or hopelessness persist talk about It with someone, contact your doctor or call O8 04510007 for advice

What is Advisable

1. Avoid tobacco, alcohol & other drugs. Using them can worsen physical mental health & reduce immunity
2. Do not stigmatize COVID patients. While maintaining physical distance, remember they need care & concern
3. If you know someone who might have the infection
4. inform about precautions, how to get medical assistance
5. If you are infected Do not panic Practice self-Isolation & tako medications an accused.
6. Remember most people recover 

Handling Mental Health issues

Recognise mental health problems in your near & dear ones
Be sensitive towards their issues, which may include:

1. Changes in sleep patterns
2. Difficulty in sleeping and concentrating
3. Worsening of health problems
4. Increased use of alcohol tobacco or drugs
5. if the protein persist, call O 804610007 or contact your doctor/mental health professional

Caring for Persons with Mental Illness

1. The fears and stress regarding COVID:19 may worsen their previous mental health condition
2. Social isolation may make them more withdrawn
3. moody & irritable
4. Support from family members & caregivers is vital as they may not get easy access to medicines & counselling
5. Keeping them engaged & positive, following daily routine & taking prescribed medicines regularly to be ensured