Coronavirus has taken the world by surprise and it has already created havoc in most of the countries including India.
It has become the talking point with health authorities advising on precautions to be taken.
This is also affecting the mental health of people, particularly those already living with conditions like anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Being concerned about the news is understandable, but for many people it can make existing mental health problems worse.
The fear of being out of control and unable to tolerate uncertainty are common characteristics of many anxiety disorders.
So it’s understandable that many individuals with pre-existing anxiety are facing challenges at the moment.
Under the prevailing circumstances one should limit the news and be careful what one reads.
Reading lots of news about coronavirus has led to panic attacks for many.
One should limit the amount of time one spends reading or watching things which aren’t making one feel better.
There is a lot of misinformation swirling around and one should stay informed by sticking to trusted sources of information such as government and genuine sources.
One should stay connected with people around by whatever means possible.
If one is self-isolating, one should strike a balance between having a routine and making sure each day has some variety.
It might end up actually feeling like quite a productive two weeks.
One can work through one’s to-do list or read a book.
It is recommended that one should have access to nature and sunlight wherever possible.
One should also exercise, eat well and stay hydrated.