There is a lot of news circulating about the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently in full swing. This is because the data for March 31, 2020 states that in Indonesia alone, there are 1,528 positive cases of COVID-19, with 136 deaths (8.9%). Common symptoms experienced by sufferers infected with COVID-19 are cough, itchy throat, fever, and shortness of breath. When reading or watching news related to the virus, have you ever felt similar symptoms and caused fear of catching the disease? If the answer is "Yes", then you may be suffering from a psychosomatic illness. Psychosomatic is a condition or disorder when your mind affects your body, resulting in physical symptoms or feelings without any underlying disease. This disease can be caused by excessive stress, causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fever. Psychosomatic results can occur due to autonomic nerve imbalances. Adrenaline will flow throughout the body, causing similar symptoms. People who are actually healthy can confuse this sensation with symptoms of COVID-19, such as sore throat, runny nose, feeling unwell, dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. It is important to know how to deal with psychosomatic feelings. Various ways can be done, including:
Look for a reliable source.
The amount of hoax information circulating on social media, group message applications sent from family or friends can trigger excessive stress. The importance of reading and gathering information from reliable sources can alleviate this feeling. Reliable sources of information can be obtained from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia or the World Health Organization website.
Take your mind for a moment from trigger stories.
Keeping up with the news about this new virus is certainly important to increase alertness, but if it can trigger the stress you feel, it would be better to take a break from all the news. Try taking time to rest, listen to songs, read books, and do other activities you enjoy, such as cooking, painting, playing games, or exercising.
Maintain personal hygiene and health.
One of the things you can do to feel calmer is to keep yourself clean and healthy.
The things you can do are:
Routinely wash your hands using soap and water, or an antiseptic solution with at least 60% alcohol.
Eat foods rich in fiber and protein and drink vitamins.
Do regular exercise that can be done at home.
Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep for adults.
Wear a mask when you have to leave the house.
Pray and meditate so that you will be calmer in dealing with anxiety and panic.
Positive thinking.
The power of positive thinking can make you feel calmer. By doing positive suggestions on yourself and focusing on the things you like can reduce the psychosomatic symptoms you experience. Facing all the news about the Corona virus outbreak can indeed provoke anxiety and worry. Maintaining your mental and physical health in the midst of this pandemic is something you can do for yourself and the people around you. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse and don't go away, then it is advisable to consult a psychologist or go to the hospital.