We may not realise that one way or the other most people have been going through negative emotions at some point since the pandemic began.
According to Buthaina Baqir, MA Education Counselling and Student Services, Counsellor and Certified Integrated Clinical Hypnotherapist, the most common mental health problems that have been addressed with regards to the pandemic are stress, depression and anxiety. On various fronts, regardless of socio-economic, religious, political place-emotional, distress has happened.
What are some ways in which we can overcome these emotions? Not been infected, been infected, and lost someone due to the infection.
According to her, “No matter what it is – be kind to and love yourself”.
Buthaina Baqir gives a step by step process to go through the emotions:
1- Acknowledge that you are experiencing a feeling.
a. How are you feeling?
b. Some may be thinking this is the best part of their lives- not having to meet people is sometimes a great thing for some. (Pleased, at peace).
c. Some may be thinking this is a very lonely time. (Lonely)
d. Some may be thinking about what will be the result of this. (Anxious)
e. During this uncertain time, it is normal to feel unclear and worry about the future as no one can actually give us exact information.
f. Decide what your worry is about.
g. Is it a real worry or is it a hypothetical worry?
2. Real worry – real problems – problems that are actually harming you now.
a. Do something about it/ them
3. Hypothetical worry- they do not exist at the moment.
a. Problems that you can do nothing about. E.g. What if I get the virus (you don’t have it)
b. These are valid issues, but at this point in time, plan your best and work towards your goals – one step at a time.
4. Engage with nature- grow plants in your garden, feel the earth with your hands and feet, smell the air and delve into it.
5. Keep in touch with family virtually – not precisely the best way but make it the best you can. Change of atmosphere: cook something special and as a family, dress up as if going out for a meal or a gathering.
6. Do charity work- donation of resources, which you have in abundance. (Spiritual, vocational, financial, social, physical, mental, and familial).
7. New hobbies- (you might like gardening, cooking, music, reading and others).
8. Household tasks- you are all living in the house now- more maintenance is needed now- cleaning up your room, cleaning your bathroom, fixing some of the household items.
9. Help someone- send him or her kind messages.
10. Meditate- Saying your prayers, engaging with nature.
11. Exercise – set a time and stick to it. Set like 10 to 15 minutes.
12. Register for an online class that you may have had an interest in.
13. Plan the next five years (Plan A, Plan B, or even Plan C).
14. Review your progress in this one year.
Practising mental hygiene and physical hygiene
The situation is different for someone who the covid-19 has infected.
Buthaina suggested, “If the virus has infected you, take the necessary steps that are advised by the health authorities concerning physical distancing.
Receive the “infection” with the understanding that it will go away. Think positively, meditate and engage in physically isolated activities—practice mental hygiene as well as physical hygiene.
Remember, it is only a matter of some time until you can come out. Stay calm. Some people lose weight; some come to a revelation to reconcile with themselves and others, make peace.”
She pointed out, “When you recover, remember that others may be afraid to come near you, be understanding to that as well as give them space and be confident about your emotional wellbeing.”
Affirmations
“Keep repeating some affirmations of self-love such as, "I flow in love", "I heal myself and others with love", "I am open to give and receive lots of love". Feeling validated and accepted is vital to emotional wellbeing,” she concluded.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
