Wa are FCC - Nº16

Recommendations for the psychological impact of the pandemic What can I do? ■ Think that emotions like anxiety and fear that make us suffer, are also part of life. For this reason, focusing our efforts on fighting them, is usually a useless and exhausting combat. ■ Accept them, as we accept in other moments, going through experiences that produce satisfaction and joy. ■ Consider them a normal emotional response in view of the extraordinary situation we are going through. In their right measure, they help us to protect ourselves and maintain security measures. ■ Direct your efforts towards behaviors that are more in line with the life we would choose to lead if we did not let ourselves be carried away by these emotions. I am so sad that I tell my sons and daughters not to come to see me so they don’t see how bad I am. ■ Remember previous situations in which, despite the difficulty of what we experienced, we were able to overcome fear and anxiety. I am afraid to go out, to relate to other people and to take up activities The COVID-19 epidemic has broken out, causing changes in our daily lives, our work, our leisure habits and our social relationships, and has probably also influenced our way of seeing the world as less safe. This new and stressful situation has caused some people to feel helpless, vulnerable and afraid for ourselves and our loved ones. These reactions are normal. It is a new, unknown situation that involves risks that we have never faced before, and we fear that we will not be able to overcome it successfully. Furthermore, we must take into account that, along with these reactions, which are the cause of suffering, other responses and behaviors can also be developed, such as understanding, acceptance of change, resistance, commitment, altruism, solidarity, etc., as “healthy” ways to face this and all crises. The challenge to which we are all exposed also makes it possible to discover personal strengths and to modify our vision and that of other people. Social relations and community are the basic supports to restore the sense of well-being. W E L L N E S S 46 W E L L N E S S