Are we psychologically and mentally prepared to cope with the COVID-19?

China is grappling with an outbreak of infections from a new coronavirus that emerged in December. Hubei province, ground zero of the novel coronavirus outbreak reported a record spike in deaths on Thursday. This is the largest single-day rise since the epidemic began. 

Health officials in China has reported more than 14,840 new cases in Hebei Province alone, bringing the province a total to 48,206. This brings the total number to more than 1,300 people globally, as experts warned the epidemic could “create havoc” in less prepared countries.

The death toll in Hubei rose by 242 to 1,363 now.  

(Image Credit: Caixing Global, Compiled by Guo Ying Zhe) 

There are growing concern over the well-being of healthcare workers or the frontline as the number of the infection rises above 130,000. Many people are mentally affected by the epidemic to talk to psychologists or psychiatrists.

What can we do and how can we take responsibility?

Apart from wearing a mask in crowded places, washing your hands or using hand sanitiser, what can we do to stay healthy and calm? Especially so in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak?

• SUPPLEMENT, SLEEP WELL AND MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE

Clinical Dietitian Joyce with 10 years of working experience in the healthcare line. She provides nutrition counselling to clients with chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease as well as conduct talks on healthy eating.

The best supplements should do is to supplement the diet. If your lifestyle or priorities make it hard for you to get all the nutrition you need through foods, supplementation may help. Taking vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc can also help to decrease the risk of catching viruses. It can significantly decrease the severity of it if you do. 

Ensure you get enough sleep as it critical for the healing rejuvenation of your body. If the body is in a constant state of stress it can inhibit some of the immune functions. 

• STAY FIT, KEEP MOVING

Viruses tend to affect people who are weaker. If you are fit and training, your body is stronger and better able to fight a virus.

International Marathon Runner and Coaching Fitness Liew Wei Yong urges client to adopt discipline and consistency when it comes to training and fitness. No matter how busy they are. Liew Wei Yong, guest speaker in Stress Management Certification offer advice on critical topics like cross-training, rest days, nutrition, hydration and monitoring vital signs like heart rate.

• ACKNOWLEDGE FEAR, DON’T PANIC! 

After Singapore Authorities raised DORSCONS level to Orange, many flocked to supermarkets, wiping out basic supplies. Shelves are starting to go empty, people are just climbing on ladders to grab whatever they can.

Image Credit: TODAY Online

Rather, seeing everyone wearing a mask can lead to stress and anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can be a reaction to stress, or it can occur in people who are unable to identify significant stressors in their life.

As a result, people who have stress and anxiety over long periods of time may experience negative related health outcomes. If you feel like your stress and anxiety are becoming unmanageable, seek professional help.

Similarly, we also recommend you to join us in our stress management workshops/certifications to help you to manage stress and find the support you need.