Eight months have passed, yet COVID-19 cases in Indonesia are still increasing and causing the public to be restless. kawalcovid19 reported that the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of October 7, 2020 totaled up to 315,714, with 240,291 cases declared cured.
The Indonesian Psychiatric Association (PDSKJI) noted that in the 5 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, 64.8% of psychological disorders had occurred. The most common psychological problems are anxiety, depression and psychological trauma. Of the 4010 people included in the study, 71% were women.
The various psychological problems that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic are thought to be associated with lifestyle changes and widespread information about the dangers of COVID-19. The Indonesian government’s policy, Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB, has affected the public’s lifestyle. The policy states that activities outside the home must be limited; in fact, almost all employees are required to work from home. Given these limitations, many people have difficulty adapting and show different responses. According to the viewpoint of a psychiatrist, with regard to facing COVID-19, each person exhibits the following two responses:
- Reactive is the attitude of someone who responds to a situation with distress, exhibiting tension, aggression, and panic.
- Responsive is the attitude of someone who responds to a situation with eustress, staying calm and wise, and learning about the condition in a proper manner.
Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma generally result from reactive responses. The World Health Organization provides several tips for maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely:
- Seeking out trusted friends or family to chat and share your feelings
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for example eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, exercising, and still socializing with friends or family who are not living in the same house
- Not smoking or consuming alcohol and illegal drugs
- Seeking information about COVID-19 from reliable sources
- Limiting yourself from accessing information about COVID-19 that makes you feel anxious or afraid
- Engaging in hobbies to maintain emotional stability
If you feel that your anxiety or fear is interfering with your daily activities, seek immediate help from the nearest psychiatrist or psychologist.
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