Dealing with anxiety issues during the lock down time due to COVID-19

My uncle is a very dynamic person. He reads, writes, goes for a walk, does his regular exercises etc. He is a very cool and energetic person. He sticks to his daily routines. We all know that the whole world is facing the issue of sickness and death due to the dreadful virus COVID-19. After hearing about this and watching flash news he became stressed. We could see a change in his activities.

Then I realized that outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) might be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming and can cause strong emotional changes in adults, children and especially senior citizens. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger.

During uncertain times, a part of the brain that deals with emotions hijacks the region of the brain’s “COGNITIVE SYSTEM”, that analyzes and interprets behavior. This results in panic and group thinking behavior, leading in turn to fight or flight or survival mode being activated in the individual who is focusing on the virus.

I remembered that I had read in a book that the brain is involved in the perception and evaluation of a situation that gives rise to emotions. If the situation results in an emotional state, the brain controls somatic and autonomic patterns of activities along with that, it affects the person’s immune system. The brain is also involved in directing the behavior driven by the emotional state. The brain is directly involved in regulating and coordinating the activity patterns which are characteristics of stronger emotions like fear, anger and pleasure.

Each individual has a tolerance level. When the level is exceeded, the body responds to the stress, which can undermine the physical health. Stress is a condition of strain on one’s emotions. It can threaten one’s ability to cope with the “ENVIRONMENT”. Stress leads to physical disorders because the internal bodily changes to cope with stress.

By considering these and being a responsible niece, I started observing my uncle to find out what went wrong? There was an alteration in his blood pressure, weight, loss of appetite. He looked tired, had sleep disturbances, had lack of interest in his surroundings and had poor concentration. He used to solve crosswords and after the lock down, he completely stopped solving it.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, especially senior citizens, when they know that they are more prone to COVID-19.

I explained him the facts and accurate information regarding the pandemic and also the benefits of staying at home during the lock down. I advised him to avoid reading the paper or watching the television regarding the news about the increase in the number of active cases and deaths due to corona virus.

I gave him the healthy and balanced diet that I had prepared. This gave him the confidence that someone is caring for him.

I booked online appointment for doctor consultation. I had sent my uncle’s previous medical history to the doctor and got his medical advice online. He had suggested some mild anti depressants, which helped him get sound sleep.

I advised him to do mild breathing exercise and also practiced meditations along with him to calm his mind. He has got back to his gardening activities everyday. I encouraged him to play chess and also solve puzzles. I taught him how to use smartphones and internet. I made him talk to his friends and our relatives through video call to overcome the fear of social isolation. I encouraged him to watch sports and epics. I also encouraged him to watch movies of his time. I have also scheduled his day to day activities to keep him completely engaged.

I have shared my experience and perspectives on helping senor citizens handle the lock down. In the meantime, in this world of abundance, we have to curate what we have to read and what not to read at the same time, we should not have the fear of missing out.