Many people have changed their cleaning habits, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, but there are already those who report feeling phobic to germs.
–
When they take to the streets, some feel distressed about having to clean the purchases, doors, packages and meals they receive at home, as well as the car, the elevator and everything they use on their way.
–
However, psychologist Christina Balinotti clarifies that it is natural to be a little paranoid about the threat that can be felt during the coronavirus emergency.
–
“There is a difference between cleaning the surface, because we don’t want to catch it; as well as being attentive to our symptoms such as a sore throat, but there is a great difference with those who suffer from a mental illness, ”says Balinotti.
–
The doctor explains that disease disorders, such as those suffered by paranoids, could develop a delusion of persecution. But the most vulnerable are those who already have mental health problems.
–
“Also those who suffer being hypochondriacs, the imaginary patient, who is a danger because they can crowd hospitals thinking they have the coronavirus,” said Christina Balinotti.
–
Explain that society is in a process of fear, which has led us to anxiety, where people respond differently. “Some grab everything in the supermarket and take it home to fight the disease.”
–
CDC officials advise that you check for symptoms, which indicate that you are suffering from stress during an outbreak of infectious disease.
–
Symptoms that indicate you need help:
- Alteration in sleep patterns.
–
- Alteration in eating patterns.
–
- Difficult to focus.
–
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
–
The CDC recommends that to improve your mental health during quarantine, you should even take a break on social media, to avoid repeatedly listening to the pandemic, taking deep breaths or meditating, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and connecting with people you trust. to talk about your concerns and how you feel.
–
“You have to be vigilant and talk to the mental health professional, to see how they should be treated, especially in these circumstances,” Dr. Balinotti recommended.
–
If you or someone you love has these symptoms and you notice that they get worse believing you need urgent care, you can call the mental health helpline at 1800 985 5990 or send a text message with the word TALKWITHUS at 66746.
–
