THE coronavirus is deemed deadly both in the physical body as well as in the psychological wellbeing of a person.
When someone always thinks of the worst, whether he is infected or not, his anxiety would bring a negative toll on his health as those who are actually infected by the said disease.
Our mind is a magnet and anything that we lay on it will certainly manifest through our actions and emotions.
With the barrage of terrifying information about Covid-19 that indeed claimed thousands of lives all over the world, one will somehow bury himself to anxieties that may ultimately drive him to paranoia.
Some Bacolodnons and Negrenses were not spared from enduring these fears which may seem realistic given the pandemic level of the coronavirus disease and the absence of vaccine to secure our wellbeing against possible infection.
Highly developed countries like the United States of America, Japan, and China among others were even left defeated by the virus which many alleged to be artificially designed as a biological weapon.
Coronavirus and Mental Health
Many have developed anxieties and paranoia on the fear of getting infected. Even those who have not stepped out of their homes for the past two months due to the enhanced community quarantine in Bacolod City and Province of Negros Occidental have these fears.
A mere sneeze or fever can stress people out as Covid-19 mortality rate continues to rise. The thought of asymptomatic carriers who roam around the community can also be quite stressful.
Former Bacolod City Councilor Christine Angelie Matus Espinosa shared that she has also imagined that the little cough she had one time was a sign that she is infected with the virus.
“I had a lot of what ifs in my mind as to what should I do? What will happen to me and my family? And the paranoia happens at night as if I am asymptomatic. But those are wild imaginations. Anyway I, resolved it with the thoughts that I will just abide with the protocols of hand washing and using a face mask. If I get infected its God’s will, His will be done,” she said.
Artist Rodney Ascalon shared that one day, he woke up with swelling tonsils. So, he did an online consultation with his doctor and was prescribed with antibiotics. He was likewise told to monitor his health condition.
“I have imagined that if it gets worse within five days like I will have fever, cough, or body aches, I will be confined in a hospital and will be considered a patient under investigation (PUI),” he said adding that it stressed him out so much that he frequently gargled water with salt. He was relieved to feel that he is now fine.
“The swelling might have been caused by the hot temperature and the Agogo ice cream binge. So, let us stay safe and take care of our minds,” he added.
Miles del Oeste said prayers change everything for him as it relieves his anxieties.
Diebeth Isidro Jackson also shared the same sentiment as she has also experienced being fearful often and it’s causing her so much stress. But through prayers, she is slowly getting back on track.
April Mendoza Kitagawa for her part said that even those with the cool personality will still feel paranoid due to Covid-19.
She too stays at home and only leaves when necessary as the virus can never be detected and it is scary to just be careless.
Fortuna Velasco Prino said she always makes sure that every time she touches something, she will spray her hands with alcohol. Even when she buys groceries, everything should either be washed and sanitized before it is used and kept.
Dhada Garcia said before Covid-19 flared up, she already endured anxiety and it got terrible when Covid-19 broke out.
Dr. Nenette Dedel Padilla felt the so-called heightened self-introspection wherein she has constant apprehensions when doing something.
Jojane Lusabia Morcilla, however, said she only subscribed to an adage that cleanliness is next to godliness. When her sons and daughter are just staying home and are all together, then there is no room for paranoia or anxiety.
While it would not hurt to be careful and to err on the side of caution, it is also important that we learn to manage our fears and anxieties in check so we can continue to live a sound life and continue to be productive amid the coronavirus pandemic.