Dear Question Asker,
In June, I consulted with Feng. The inquiries you have posed reflect the sentiments of the majority of individuals. The pandemic, which has persisted for the past three years, has disrupted the preexisting equilibrium.
The implementation of restrictive measures has resulted in significant alterations to individuals' lifestyles and routines. It is not uncommon for people to express concern that prolonged confinement may have detrimental effects on their mental health. Indeed, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence of anxiety, depression, distress, confusion, fear, and other negative emotional states.
During this period of heightened concern, it is imperative that we approach the situation with a positive outlook. While adhering to recommended safety protocols, it is also essential to prioritize our mental well-being, adjust our psychological state, and address personal challenges at the individual level. This approach can help mitigate the potential negative effects of anxiety, panic, and depression that may arise during this challenging time. To minimize the impact of these emotions on our collective psyche, it is crucial to prioritize psychological self-care.
Facing the Reactions Presented by Positivity
(1) Psychological Reactions
The symptoms include nervousness, worry, restlessness, fear, apprehension, irritability, lack of interest in other activities, depression, and an inability to maintain a positive outlook.
1. Anxious and suspicious: Following the outbreak, individuals tend to pay close attention to changes in their physical condition, associating various discomforts with the new coronavirus pneumonia. This can lead to doubt about their own health status.
2. Fearful and restless: Individuals may engage in behaviors and thoughts such as exhibiting suspicion of illness and avoiding contact with elevator buttons or doorknobs, engaging in repeated handwashing, and refraining from leaving their homes, including avoiding medical care facilities.
3. Depression and sadness: The individual experiences a pervasive sense of fatigue and lack of energy, accompanied by difficulties in concentration and cognitive function. Additionally, sleep disturbances may manifest.
4. Fear of harm: Due to the combination of panic about the disease itself and the proliferation of misinformation on the Internet, fear and panic have become prevalent.
5. Loneliness and isolation: Some specific demographic groups may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation due to the circumstances of being isolated in an unfamiliar environment as a result of the epidemic.
6. Impulsive Behavior: A considerable number of individuals are unable to discharge accumulated emotional tension, which may result in impulsive and irrational emotional outbursts and actions.
(2) Cognitive function is affected
Inattention, memory loss, unclear thinking, and slow brain response.
(3) Tension in interpersonal relationships
These manifestations are attributed to a lack of a sense of security, including being easily sensitive and suspicious, as well as over-defending against others.
Psychological Self-Healing Measures
1. It is imperative to gain an accurate understanding of the novel coronavirus and to accept the reality of the ongoing epidemic. Following the cessation of the epidemic, it is crucial to obtain accurate information about the virus from official sources, to learn and master the knowledge required for prevention and control, to avoid focusing on negative reports, to refrain from believing in rumors, and to avoid overinterpretation. It should be noted that, at present, the harm caused by the epidemic to people has been minimal.
2. Acceptance of emotions, self-awareness, and alteration of attitudes
The practice of restraining and suppressing negative emotions is not conducive to mental health. The more one attempts to suppress and deny these emotions, the more they tend to dominate one's thoughts and actions.
It is not uncommon for individuals to experience feelings of fear and anxiety in the context of an epidemic. These emotions are a natural response to an abnormal situation and should be acknowledged and accepted. It is important to remind oneself that these feelings are normal and to allow them to exist without self-blame, accusations, or complaints directed at others.
This is a reasonable social behavior.
It is recommended that the following changes be made:
The Hawthorne effect indicates that expressing negative emotions in moderation can alleviate psychological distress. Engaging in physical activities such as exercise can also serve as a form of emotional release, with activities like playing ball games or going for a run being particularly beneficial.
Secondly, the chain effect suggests that if one wishes to sigh for a prolonged period, it would be more beneficial to begin by smiling, which will result in a slight expansion of the heart.
In accordance with Robert's theory, it can be posited that any obstacle can be overcome. When faced with circumstances that appear bleak, it is imperative not to allow pessimism to impede the positive aspects of our lives. The world is replete with color, and it is essential to embrace this with our hearts.
A simple life is conducive to happiness, and a happy life is simple. Let today be the foundation for tomorrow's happiness, and experience happiness from a place of sincerity.
According to the law of grape sweet citric acid, there is always a reason to be happy, provided that one desires it. One may use hobbies to motivate oneself in a positive manner, and may also utilize reading, painting, meditation, cooking, sports, and other activities to mobilize internal resources, enhance positive emotions, and improve psychological resilience.
?3. It is recommended that individuals maintain a normal routine and enhance physical immunity. This can be achieved by consuming three meals a day, drinking an adequate amount of water, selecting an appropriate exercise method, avoiding unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, drinking, and staying up late, and protecting and enhancing immunity. It is also advised that individuals take control of their own pace of life, learn something new every day, and pursue inner fulfillment.
4. It is recommended that individuals communicate actively and demonstrate tolerance. When individuals experience feelings of isolation and helplessness, they may benefit from communicating with friends, offering encouragement, discussing feelings, and enhancing mutual psychological support. The most effective method for relieving emotions is effective communication.
It is recommended that you contact your friends and family members by telephone or via the WeChat messaging application to share your feelings and offer assistance where possible. It is beneficial to both yourself and those around you to provide help and support to others. The stronger the connections between individuals, the more positive and healthy the psychological state will be.
5. Engage in musical listening.
Listening to music is an effective method for relaxation and stress reduction. Additionally, it is a means of promoting mental health. Research has demonstrated that individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds can maintain mental wellbeing through engagement with their preferred musical genres. This can be achieved through singing or dancing along to the music.
6. Aerobic exercise
During exercise, the brain releases endorphins, which are known as the "hormone of happiness." While this effect is relatively short-lived, it can persist for at least several hours. During challenging times, individuals can engage in aerobic activities such as indoor exercises, jogging in place, and rope skipping to facilitate the release of "happy hormones."
The epidemic itself is not the source of fear; rather, it is our perceptions and thoughts about the epidemic that instill a sense of fear. In other words, our troubles often arise not from the reality of the situation itself, but from our interpretation of that reality.
It is my sincere hope that the aforementioned information is of some assistance to you.
I extend my warmest regards to you and to the world at large.
Comments
The lingering psychological effects from the epidemic are indeed a significant concern. It's important to acknowledge that seeking professional help, like therapy or counseling, can be incredibly beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues postrecovery.
Support groups have proven to be a valuable resource for many. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can provide comfort and understanding, which is crucial for emotional recovery and resilience building.
While the impact may last for years, adopting healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a balanced diet can improve one's mental state and aid in coping with longterm psychological effects.
Education plays a key role too. By learning more about what we're experiencing and why it affects us mentally, we can better understand our own responses and develop strategies to manage stress and anxiety effectively.