As the pandemic outbreak continues with increasing cases worldwide, many people who do not wear masks and do not follow physical distancing rules despite the warnings of experts are seen in almost every society. Stating that the level of anxiety in the society was quite high when the first fatal case was announced, experts state that the level of anxiety decreases over time in some segments of the society due to getting used to the situation, which means suspending the rules.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz said that the pandemic process continues and it is important to follow the recommendations of experts and the measures taken.
Anxiety level decreased in the society
Noting that despite the increasing number of cases, there are disruptions in compliance with the rules in some segments of the society, especially in terms of masks and physical distance, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz stated that receiving data and information every day as the process progresses may have created desensitization in people.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz said, "The first announced number of patients in March was 1 in Turkey, while the anxiety level of people was 10 if we evaluate it out of 10. Currently, the number of people who have died has exceeded 40. While the number of new cases has exceeded 1,500; the level of anxiety is at the level of 2-3. When we heard the death result with the first case, we were incredibly panicked and suddenly there was a terrible perception of threat in our body. We have been trying to live with the pandemic for eight months. Before that, quarantines, restrictions and curfews announced at the last minute were a chaotic environment that could cause serious disorders in terms of mental health. Constantly receiving information about the coronavirus has created a habit in people and caused them not to care as much as before."
There are those who do not believe the virus exists
Pointing out that there are people who say they do not believe that the virus exists, Gündüz said, "There is also a group that does not care about the virus, which has problems with authority in terms of personality traits and has difficulty in following the rules in general. When people do not face this disease themselves or when they do not receive the news that one of their relatives has caught the epidemic, they have an overconfidence as if it is an epidemic that exists outside the world. This is related to not being able to access sufficient and accurate sources of information."
It is necessary to be proportional in behavior
Pointing out the importance of a balanced attitude in the way of behavior that should be developed against coronavirus, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz said, "We can talk about two extremes here. One is to exhibit behaviors such as not caring about the epidemic at all, pretending it does not exist, making no preparations, not even wearing a mask, going on long-term vacations and not following any suggestions. The other is to create a space for oneself, to live in extreme sterility and to disconnect from the world. What we recommend is the middle of these two lifestyles. It's not being indifferent, it's not creating your own bubble and getting stuck in that space. What we mean by being prepared is being between these two extremes."
The process should be evaluated with a positive perspective
Stating that psychosocial support is important to stay well in terms of mental health during the pandemic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz said, "Everyone is going through a very difficult period. We are living in a period where we do not know what awaits us, what the outcome will be and how long it will last. According to the data we have obtained from previous medical history, there is evidence that the Covid-19 pandemic will end. Therefore, first of all, we need to remind ourselves of this, to establish the idea that the glass is not completely empty, that the pandemic will pass, that there are very serious efforts to find a vaccine, and we need to get those around us to do the same. In processes where there are conversations about the problems will improve and pessimistic conversations are reduced, instilling hope has healing effects on people's mental health. We spent the last winter season with the pandemic and it seems quite likely that this winter season will also be a pandemic. It is necessary to be prepared for this situation by establishing mental, physical and psychosocial support networks."
Support for people over 65 should be provided
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz pointed out the points that individuals over the age of 65 should pay attention to while the pandemic process continues. Stressing the importance of having physical health tests as much as possible, Gündüz warned, "It is important to provide vitamin support especially for those over 65 and in the risky patient group."
Routine checks should not be neglected
Stating that people with an increase in mental health problems should not disrupt their routine checks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nermin Gündüz said, "Patient appointments should be organized much earlier, considering the difficulties in reaching their physicians. In this period, areas that feel good, people who feel good and creating a bond with them will be very beneficial. We know that behavior is the easiest to change on the axis of thought, emotion and behavior. Especially for our patients with depression, we recommend that they review what they can do on the basis of behavior related to the suggestions offered while at home during the pandemic period, as it will be good for their mental health. For example, watching movies they were interested in before but never had the opportunity to watch, reading books, calling loved ones they haven't called for a long time, cooking their favorite dishes, painting or coloring. In addition, avoiding unrealistic news of unknown origin that they are exposed to through social media will positively affect their mental health during this period."
