Table of contents:
- The impact of the uncertainty on the pandemic
- 1,024,298
- 831,330
- 28,855
- How does uncertainty affect a person's psyche?
- Tips for dealing with uncertainty in the midst of a pandemic
- 1. Pay attention to what you can control
- 2. Focus on the present
- 3. Maintain good relationships with the people closest
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has begun to leave many people feeling emotionally drained. After being haunted by fear and anxiety, feeling bored (cabin fever) began to hit as a result of staying at home too long.
Unfortunately, no one knows for sure when the pandemic will end. This uncertainty often causes stress and if it is uncontrollable at any time it can affect a person's psychological state.
The impact of the uncertainty on the pandemic
The pandemics that have occurred during the last few months have made very significant changes to the way humans live their daily lives.
Recommendations for home quarantine, closed public facilities, and health protocols that must be followed are new to almost all communities.
The outbreak of COVID-19 seems to remind us that life is not always predictable. Without realizing it, we are often faced with uncertainties in everyday life. Starting from the changing weather, plans that suddenly fail, to financial problems.
Even though sometimes there are all anticipatory steps that can be taken, there will always be plans or events that were unexpected or never imagined to occur.
Likewise with the COVID-19 pandemic which is still ongoing today. Many scientists and health professionals have made predictions of what the end of the pandemic will look like, but still no one can guarantee that this estimate is accurate.
Nothing can provide certainty about when the pandemic will subside, when vaccines for the disease will be available, and when people can return to their normal daily activities. Not knowing something makes people stressful and anxious.
1,024,298
Confirmed831,330
Recovered28,855
DeathDistribution MapHow does uncertainty affect a person's psyche?
Sometimes, the worry that arises because of uncertainty cannot really be prevented. The reason is, the brain works in survival mode by continuously digesting new things around you to make judgments about what is safe and what is not.
Uncertainty is considered dangerous for the mind. Ignorance can put you in threatening situations. The brain does everything it can to find certainty, such as by creating various "what if" scenarios and thinking about the next step.
Lauren Hallion, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, emphasized the same point. The human brain evolves over time to notice sudden changes that can signal a threat.
This can be seen since prehistoric times where humans had to always be on the alert mode for predators in order to survive. When it comes to the present, humans survive by avoiding all the triggers that can cause them to contract the disease.
In the midst of a completely uncertain situation, it is easier for the body to be in a condition "Flight or fight". This condition is a process in which the body becomes more alert to something that could endanger its life.
If not resolved, this response can lead to prolonged stress. This effect is certainly dangerous for mental health, especially if you have some anxiety disorder conditions or panic attacks. Not only psychologically, the effect is also felt on deteriorating immunity.
Tips for dealing with uncertainty in the midst of a pandemic
Preparation can help you find a solution that might avoid getting you out of trouble. Unfortunately, you still have no control over everything that happens in your life. Being too late thinking about uncertainty will actually drain your energy and make you unhappy.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to deal with it. Here are some tips.
1. Pay attention to what you can control
The uncertainty during a pandemic makes things happen unpredictably. So far, you may be anxious thinking about the COVID-19 virus that is spreading and its impact on the economy or other sectors of life.
However, the pandemic has already occurred. Instead of thinking about things that you can't control, try to focus on something you can do.
For example, if the effects of a pandemic put a strain on finances, you might find ways to keep income by starting a business or sending your CV to apply for jobs.
If what you are worried about is the health of your body, take various ways to prevent COVID-19 and adopt a healthy lifestyle by washing your hands with soap, wearing a mask when traveling, eating nutritious food, and exercising.
2. Focus on the present
Instead of letting your thoughts drift into the future, focus on living in the present or on what you are living. Do something that can help you and the people closest to you stay healthy and safe.
Focus on the activities you are doing. Like when you are exercising, put your concentration through all the exercise routine smoothly. Or while cooking, follow the recipe carefully without letting the thought fly to anything else.
By focusing your thoughts on the present, you can divert negative thoughts that have been haunting you. Apart from that, you can also improve your overall mood.
3. Maintain good relationships with the people closest
Basically, humans are social creatures who live side by side with other people. Including in the present times, make the quarantine time at home an opportunity to have more fun with the people closest to you.
Also take the time to make friends with relatives or old friends via messaging applications, video calls, or social media. This helps you to balance your emotional state and divert attention from worrying about the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Also try to share the complaints you have felt so far so that you can reduce the burden on your heart. Who knows, they also experience the same thing and intend to find a solution together.
