Remain busy with positive things, do exercise to overcome COVID-19 scare, says Dr Arshid Hussain

 

Babbu Khan

Srinagar, May 10 :  Experts have suggested people to remain busy with positive things and do exercise which will help to lessen stress amid coronavirus lockdown.

In his video message, Dr Arshad Hussain, a noted psychiatrist suggests that people should keep themselves busy with positive things amid coronavirus scare.

 

“People should even exercise inside their homes. They should read books. We should engage ourselves and connect to each other via social media on phones,” he said.

 

“We should not watch news channels which create fear. People should keep social distance, wear masks and wash hands regularly to prevent from the infection,” he added.

 

Child and adolescent mental health counselor at Child Guidance and Wellbeing Centre run by IMHANS in collaboration with UNICEF, Wasim Rashid Kakroo, said parents should manage their anxiety so that it does not reflect on their children.

 

“Parents have to be patient because children are emulating their activities. If parents are stressed it will have direct impact on their children. They should make a peaceful environment in their home,” Wasim told.

 

He said increase or decrease in appetite, sleep, shifting of moods, losing of interest is all indications of stress.

 

He asked parents to keep children away from news about COVID-19.

 

“When there is news on TV how many have been killed due to coronavirus, its impact is directly on mental health of children. Parents should not watch news in presence of children. We should tell children about precautions and not to create panic,” he said.

 

Javid Ahmad Mir, who is Post Graduate Psychiatric Nursing and research scholar, said disease of any kind has a major impact on the mental health especially on children.

 

“Be it COVID-19 outbreak or other public health events, can cause emotional distress and anxiety. During any disease outbreak feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or helpless is mostly prevalent,” he said.

 

He said people should make limited use of social media, taking adequate sleep and rest.He suggested people to remain hydrated and take good amount of fluid (lemon water, ginger water, mint water). “They should remain connected to loved ones. Keep yourself busy with your interests like reading, music, sketch, painting, writing,” he added.(KINS)

 

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