{"id":41859,"date":"2020-04-02T14:59:45","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T14:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.upjs.sk\/aktuality\/does-coronavirus-also-affect-our-mental-health\/"},"modified":"2020-04-02T14:59:45","modified_gmt":"2020-04-02T14:59:45","slug":"does-coronavirus-also-affect-our-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"cpt_aktuality","link":"https:\/\/www.upjs.sk\/en\/actualities\/does-coronavirus-also-affect-our-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Does coronavirus also affect our mental health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the context of the current situation regarding the spread of the new COVID-19 coronavirus, we have daily reports of new cases confirmed, deaths, measures taken or empty shelves in stores. It is not easy to keep calm, as proven by many examples of irrational reactions and human behavior. In times of pandemics, we are not only fighting the virus, but also trying to control and manage fear, stigma and discrimination (WHO, 2020). In this article you can read exactly what to do if fear, uncomfortable feelings or panic seizes you.<\/p>\n

While a sense of fear provokes a specific stimulus (such as fear of taking a test, fear of a dentist) and is a short-term discomfort, anxiety is a response to a potential threat and concern that may be caused by a situation that is uncertain, unclear, new and unknown which may not actually exist). Fear is a normal response that stems from our nature of human being and protects us since long ago from threat, from some danger. It is manifested in our behavior at the biochemical level, and over time it declines.<\/p>\n

Since COVID-19 is a new disease, its research is ongoing and we learn more about it gradually. This naturally gives rise to feelings of fear. However, it is important to emphasize that fear and anxiety are part of the normal response to the situation. How to deal with these concerns?<\/p>\n

In the short term, breathing exercises can help. They are ideal before any stressful situation. They temporarily reduce pressure and cortisol and demonstrably reduce stress and anxiety. You can try this exercise. Sit comfortably, breathe normaly for a while, and then follow this routine:<\/p>\n