As we come to terms that the most effective ways of limiting the COVID-19 virus by self-quarantine and social distancing, and as we sense that this may not be a matter of just two or three weeks, we are all naturally concerned how we will survive this period both economically and psychologically.
Americans refer to the problems caused by this social isolation as “cabin fever” and it is important to understand its causes and indeed its treatment and prevention. Most of us are actively social animals and even go to work, school and other events as much for contact with our fellow humans as for the work, learning or other activity. The removal of this is a huge loss perhaps more so to those over 35 who are less skilled with using social media as a form of communication.
The symptoms of this social isolation are seen as anxiety, which is added to fears about the virus itself and its economic consequences, loss of self-esteem – that feeling that we are good and useful to society, irritability which in itself is destructive to relationships (there has been something like a 20% increase in marital violence), loss of purpose, a sense of isolation, aimlessness, poor sleep, and eventually depression.
All of us will suffer these feelings to some extent and it is important to realize they are absolutely normal and not in any way a sign of psychological illness. However, there are a number of strategies we can use to minimize their effect and prevent them from becoming more serious.
- Try to structure your day, and perhaps decide this the night before;
- Structure in such a way as to include a variety of activities which should include exercise, something creative, something organizational or administrative, and something social with friends old and current;
- Do something new;
- Take some daily exercise if possible for at least one hour and vary this;
- Invest in relationships both personal and in a wider sense, avoid conflict;
- Try to cope with irritability and anger if it occurs, anger can often be lessened by hard exercise;
- Avoid news-surfing – the constant activity of searching the net for something new;
- Realize that, using our global resources, we will find a solution to this problem, and although it is not immediately apparent it will become more transparent in the coming weeks; and.
- Be positive and proud about adapting to these new circumstances.
For those people who feel increasing difficulties with this situation or with the relationship problems that may have been made worse, there is professional help and all American Medical Centers clinics we have set up teams of skilled therapists to support.
Dr. Richard Styles is the chief medical officer of the American Medical Centers Group in Ukraine.
