By Boris McKey, rehab4addiction
Rehab 4 Addiction was founded to assist those affected by substance misuse and their loved ones. We offer a range of services, and help signpost you to the most effective treatments. This includes alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare and outpatient counselling. Our helpline advisors are committed to helping you in your quest to locate effective treatments for addiction.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a lot of information about the virus and its effects on mental health.
That’s because coronavirus and the social, financial and psychological implications it carries can seriously impact one’s mental wellbeing.
Government legislation, mass media coverage, and the increasing global death toll will cause a lot of stress, especially for the older population, children, and people with a history of mental health problems.
It’s of the utmost importance that we try to remain as composed as we can during this time.
The fear and anxiety that is gripping the nation are as contagious, if not more so than the illness itself.
While we are in no way diminishing the severity of the physical and epidemiological worry surrounding coronavirus, it is crucial that everyone has access to mental health resources, and is clued up on how they can look after themselves and their own mental health.
People with pre-existing mental problems should continue to manage and track their mental health. Self-care is vital, and it’s also important to try and reduce the stress for ourselves and others around us.
How Your Mental Health Might be Affected
The coronavirus might affect not only your physical wellbeing but also your mental health. As we might be instructed to stay home due to the pandemic, the mental health symptoms might worsen.
You might notice several mental health issues, such as:
- Increased anxiety
- Stress
- Excessively checking for symptoms
- Feelings of irritation
- Insecurity
- The normal aches will feel like you have the virus
- Sleeping troubles
- Feelings of helplessness
Check if you show these symptoms and try to control yourself as much as you can.
Things to Remember About COVID-19
Information about the virus is evolving
Experts are still looking for explanations
You can manage the illness
Everyone Should Take Precautionary Measures
It’s crucial that you take precautions that can prevent you from getting the virus, and spreading it if you already show signs of it.
Here are the precautions that everyone should take at this moment in time:
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. Also, use hand sanitiser
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid touching your face, especially the mouth and nose areas
- Disinfect doorknobs, switches, or any parts of your house that might carry viruses
- Design a plan with your family. Try to isolate yourselves from the neighbours as much as possible, and prepare for isolation of the potential ill members
- Masks and face coverings are effective, particularly N95 or N99 masks, however, these masks are expensive and contribute to landfill, so don’t get too hung up on the price tag of the mask you use
- Protect the elderly
Plan for Staying at Home
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people might be instructed to stay at home.
People might also work from home, or you can enter self-isolation to prevent yourself from getting the virus. Here’s what to know.
- Find Somewhere Safe to Stay
Not everyone will be happy to stay at home, but it’s for the best of everyone at this point. However, for some, this will not be good as their home conditions might not be the best.
You can try asking a friend or a family member to provide you with a more pleasant place to stay. It’s best to check with your government and read the government advice about staying at home.
Here, we list fun activities to keep you sane during this period.
Also, it’s advisable to get some help with your housing problems.
- Eat Properly and Drink Enough
At this moment in time, it’s crucial that you eat well and drink enough water. You should strive to bring all the necessary nutrients from your diet, and avoid restaurants if they are open.
Consider getting food deliveries to your home or ask someone to drop off the food at your home.
Drinking enough water is also just as important. It’s not only good for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Also, avoid drinking alcohol.
- Keep Taking Your Medication
It’s important that you keep taking your medication, even at this time of the coronavirus. You should try to order your medications to your home, and only order from reputable sites. You can also ask someone else to collect the medication for you.
- Continue with Your Treatment and Support
Try to continue with the treatment that you might have been receiving prior to the coronavirus outbreak. With the technology available, it’s possible to continue sessions with your therapists; they can be done by phone, online, or by text.
Consult your therapist about the treatment, and ask them to support you if you struggle without the one-on-one sessions.
Guidelines are Still Bound to Change
As the scientists are still uncovering the mysteries around the COVID-19 disease, some changes to the guidelines are bound to happen.
The pandemic might take a turn in a different direction, and you should follow the guidelines provided by the medical institutions in your area.
Get local treatment
Rehab 4 Addiction is able to connect you with rehab clinics across the UK, include the following locations:
Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Lancashire | Rehab 4 Addiction
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