The Emotional Curve and How to Flatten It During the Pandemic
Mental health in times of Coronavirus represents a personal and collective challenge from which we can all learn, if weighed optimistically. However, the health emergency, the bombardment of news, theories and opinions of all kinds, come to create an accumulation of emotions that affect our daily life.
After confinement, many people have experienced fear, nervousness, depression, optimism, denial, and anxiety. They have had mood swings, sleep disorders, addiction to networks or watching series after series, feeling worry, loneliness and nostalgia. Others have strengthened the family bond, returned to old hobbies or discovered new ones.
High Impact
We were not really prepared to deal with a pandemic of such magnitude, so we must be very understanding of ourselves and others. “You cannot recommend someone to feel in a specific way,” says Monica Naranjo, Specialist in Transpersonal Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness for Children. The most recommended – added the expert – is to stay calm, respect and try to live the moment, be present, in order to cope with being at home for a long time. The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen to health, the economy and a suppressed freedom, can be somewhat complex for many.
It is important that emotions are not classified as negative or positive. “Fear could be a negative thing, but feeling a little of it, is biologically necessary to preserve life. On the other hand, overconfidence may be affecting another group of people, who insist on going out to the streets without protection, and this can have consequences for them, “said the expert.
Techniques to Overcome a Negative Mood
Meditation with exercise, keeping busy, having a hobby indoors like reading, doing crafts, or doing art are hobbies that improve our mood. “People believe that meditating is sitting and staying still, but in reality it is being and living in the present,” said Naranjo. In case of teleworking, you must strike a balance between home life and work. You can take breaks to also enjoy family time. The specialist emphasized that working at home can be absorbing, so if you live alone or not, it is necessary to stop to be with yourself.
New Normal
There are two positions that can cause emotional unevenness: those who are incredulous with the virus, and those who do not want to leave the house for fear of being infected. To manage both is important to apply basic logic. We must first try to follow the regulations not only for our own good, but also for empathy with others. Check and review the time assigned to go out as an opportunity to go hiking and reconnect with the outside life while keeping social distance.
You should also try to keep in touch with other people, celebrate birthdays and virtual meetings, so as not to burden yourself with loneliness, boredom or feeling disconnected.
Express Your Emotions
Parents with young children should prepare to listen to them. “Children express what their parents are silent about. So adults must first manage their own emotions, “said Naranjo. He recommended opening up with children, explaining the situation in their terms and language, since they suffer a bit of fear, anxiety and are saddened by not visiting family or friends.
Despite the fact that parents are concerned about the freedom of their children and limitations in their studies, they can take advantage of this period to help them feel a greater family welcome, with better quality time with their parents.
