Nushrin Shadoo Buccus, a graduate in Psychology with Counselling skills,
says this is the first time that Mauritius is experiencing such a situation:
The threat of a deadly virus and confinement, with all the associated disadvantages.
Therefore, it is important for people to
organize their life during this period of confinement so as to avoid any negative
effect on their health, well-being and general mental state.
Stress
Nushrin Shadoo Buccus says it is a fact that a long confinement is
likely to generate stress. We have people in confinement at home, we have
people put in quarantine and people put in isolation in hospitals. We should
also not forget people under care, some intensive care. She says apart from
stress, nervousness and anxiety also arise.
Fear
Most people live in fear of contracting the virus, even though they are
in lockdown situation, people have to go out, for example to purchase basic
provisions. Every minor symptom that someone will have, for example a cough or
sneeze, will make him doubtful. Another form of fear if the fear of running out
of basic provisions. This is what has made many people resort to panic buying. Many
people tend to buy more than usual, to safeguard for their future.
Uncertainty
Why do people stockpile goods? This is because many people are uncertain
over how long the lockdown will last? Will it be extended? Will it last another
15 days another month? Nobody can predict as it depends on the evolution of the
situation. This is why some people are buying more provisions or extra bottle
of gas to be safe. This is why it is important for the authorities to give
reassurance that there is enough stock of goods, food or gas in the country.
Indeed, the prime minister and the minister of commerce have both many times stated
that the country has enough provisions and there should be no panic at all.
Mistrust
Another element of anxiety is mistrust. People tend to mistrust the flow
of information. There are too many information sources, including fake news
outlets, irresponsible of sharing of unverified news which add to the general
panic. This is why it is important to rely only on trusted media sources and
official government communiques. It is interesting to note that the authorities
have now launched a new app (besafemoris) to inform the public. The website is www.besafemoris.mu. The WHO has also
recommended avoid being too much exposed to many news. If excessive Coronavirus
news brings you more anxiety, limit your exposure.
Boredom
A sudden change in lifestyle creates boredom. People stay indoors They
can’t go out and in any case all shops, restaurants, fast food outlets,
shopping malls, leisure centres, etc are closed. People can’t also go to the
beach. People who have been very socially active outdoors will feel the change
of lifestyle more than those who were less active.
So how do we avoid the psychological effects of lockdown? Avoid negative
thinking. It is important to keep our minds occupied and focus on the present.
We can watch TV, or play indoor games such as Scrabbles with the family. Children
are not going to school so we can seize the opportunity to catch up on the
lessons.
We can still keep in touch with families and friends via social media.
Many of us also have the opportunity to work from home. It is also possible to
do some exercise at home.
“The lockdown is also an
opportunity for us to catch up on many things, be it reading, writing, enhancing
our spirituality, our hobbies, discovering our culinary art, decluttering our
home, spending more time with our loved ones, playing with our kids or our pets,
etc. let’s make the maximum positive use of this lockdown,” she concludes.
