Welcome back to the Firstline Securities Blog. It’s time to “check-in” with our Relationship Manager in Trinidad, Anna Chamely.
Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19
Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19
Firstline Securities is checking-in today to ensure that you all are doing well during this time! Our message today is particularly for those who are experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Who could have ever imagined that a microbe so small could bring the world to its knees? An organism that favours no race, culture, religion, nor country.
We are all susceptible. Our only weapons appear to be isolation, social distancing and healthy habits. How can we come together when this virus keeps us apart? Therein lies the test of the human spirit.
We say that trials and tribulations spur growth in character and resolve. Is this our test?
What is obvious is that this virus will not only affect our physical and economic health, but most importantly our mental health.
Psychologist, Louise Hawkley, senior research scientist at the University of Chicago, points to evidence linking perceived social isolation with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.
Research shows that the magnitude of risk presented by social isolation is very similar in magnitude to that of obesity, smoking, lack of access to care and physical inactivity.
Human beings are social animals and our biological, psychological, and social systems evolved to thrive in collaborative networks of people.
Anxiety is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Stress that can result from work, school and/or personal relationships
- Emotional traumas
- Financial concerns
- Stress caused by a chronic or serious medical condition
- Alcohol consumption;
- Drugs such as cocaine;
- Chocolates and other foods with high sugar content etc.
- Lack of oxygen
- A major event in our case is Covid-19
How can we treat our current anxiety?
- Exercise daily: in this pandemic, I miss this terribly and you can call me a “gym rat”. You have to become clever in a lockdown. Personally, I have resolved this issue by walking for 45 minutes in an enclosed compound. “Round and round I go!”
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Get enough sleep
- Learn what triggers your anxiety and devise ways to alleviate it
- Eat well: consume balanced diets.
- Practise relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation
- Stop smoking and minimise your consumption of caffeinated drinks
Loneliness: How to Combat?
We can use the internet to connect with family, friends and the world in general.
We can spend our time doing things that we never had time to do – gardening, reading, spring cleaning, watching a Netflix series, learning a new language: (I recommend checking out Babbel.com).
I am sure that everyone has their own personal list.
Conclusion
We have to accept the fact that until an effective vaccine comes to market, life is going to change. Social distancing, face masks and proper hygiene will be the new normal. Our consolation is that we are all together on the same journey.
Let us all support one another, especially those who may be having a harder time coping with these societal changes.
We can do this!
