Staying sane and centered amid COVID-19

These days, because of the COVID-19 crisis, I have had to counsel many people with anxiety attacks manifesting as physical symptoms. There is never a day that I don’t get calls from people who are paranoid about what they are feeling.

And so I would like to share some of the advice I give my friends on how to keep sane, calm and centered during this worldwide crisis.

1) Remember that more than 90 percent of COVID-19 cases are mild. Deaths occur in around 5 percent and mostly in people above 70, especially in those who have other underlying illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. In Korea, where testing is more vigorous, the death rate is less than 1 percent. Just take care that our parents really stay home, eat properly, and keep healthy habits.

2) Try to take a break from social media. A lot of the stress being experienced by many is because we are glued to all things COVID-19, and social media is full of misinformation that can cause useless anxiety. If in doubt about any new and panic-causing information, check it first with reliable, credible sources.

3) Choose the chat groups that you will engage in and take seriously. Otherwise, you will just become a nervous wreck.

4) Keep the important numbers on hand, such as the nearest hospital, DOH hotline, at least one reliable doctor, PNP hotline, barangay, etc.

5) Stop looking at the numbers of COVID-19 patients if they are causing you stress. There’s nothing you can do about them, anyway.

6) Avoid large family gatherings, but try to keep bonded through the internet or phone. You can even have shared meals remotely.

7) Do things you like to do while at home. This chance to paint, clear your closets, bond, cook, play the piano, etc., may not come again soon.

8) Think of people who may be suffering right now—an elderly or sick friend, someone who may be lonely and quarantined alone—and send them a loving message to make them know they are not alone. If you can help in feeding programs for the marginalized without breaking the rules of social distancing, then do so. There are many people who really need our help, and thinking about them will prevent any self-obsession.

9) And finally, meditate, do deep breathing exercises through your nose, pray regularly, and know that God is in charge.

There are positive changes happening amid all this turmoil and suffering. Most people are kinder to each other. Our nation has again realized the importance of our health care workers who are the frontliners in this war. This is a far cry from the dangerous “smart-shaming” and “expert bashing” witnessed in the recent past. Our country is rediscovering its true soul — something we had started to lose because rudeness and hate had become vogue, propagated further by irresponsible trolls. Nowadays, these trolls have largely kept quiet, and those who have tried to foment anger and hatred amid the pandemic are pummeled with the wrath of outraged netizens.

The best, and perhaps the only, way we can get through this crisis and emerge a better people and nation is by thinking of others. It’s the miracle of the “multiplication of the loaves” that we have to live and practice, both literally and figuratively — where food was enough to feed all, but where the miracle had to start with people willing to share what they had with those who had none.

After we get through this together, in the right way, then we will see a better world. But we need to stay sane and centered first.

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Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” Padilla is a clinical associate professor at the Philippine General Hospital-UPCM; an active consultant at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City; and the founder and president of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines.