The measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have created an ongoing and difficult process. The impact of the pandemic on people’s psychology and the stress caused by various protective actions have led to different types of mental disturbances.
Excessive fear and anxiety about the disease can trigger intense emotional reactions in both adults and children. By managing stress, you can strengthen yourself, those around you, and your community.
Stress, Anxiety, and Changing Habits Since the Pandemic Began:
Fear and anxiety over your own or loved ones' health
Disrupted sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep, going to bed late)
Disordered eating (eating too little or too much, unhealthy food choices)
Difficulty concentrating (forgetfulness, overthinking)
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances
Improper or unprescribed use of psychiatric medications
Groups Most Affected by Pandemic Stress:
Elderly individuals and people with chronic illnesses
Children and adolescents
Doctors, nurses, medical workers, and emergency teams
People with mental health or substance use disorders
How to Manage Stress During This Challenging Time
Especially in the early weeks, there was a flood of emotional content on social media. Many of these posts were inaccurate. Watching or reading this type of content only increases stress and anxiety.
Follow the news only at specific times of the day
Seek information from reliable sources
Take care of yourself first:
Set daily routines (keep changes in sleep time within 2 hours)
Don’t spend the day in pajamas
Include rest and at least 45 minutes of physical activity
Use deep breathing when anxiety increases
Stay in touch with loved ones and share your feelings with people you trust
Use video calls to reduce loneliness and isolation
Effects of the Pandemic on Families and Children
Children often reflect the behaviors of adults around them. If parents manage their stress calmly and confidently, they provide the best support for their children. Avoid giving incorrect information to children, as they are more likely to believe what they hear and see.
Signs of stress in children:
Frequent mood changes (sudden laughter or crying, irritability)
Clinginess and crying
Bedwetting
Regression (return to using pacifiers, delays in speech)
Trouble falling asleep
In teens:
Poor sleep and eating habits (late nights, oversleeping)
Hopelessness
Irritability or reckless behavior
Avoiding school responsibilities
Lack of concentration
Physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches)
Withdrawal from family and friends, increased device usage
Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
How to support them:
Talk openly and answer their questions simply
Explain how you cope with stress so they can learn from you
Limit news exposure and misinformation
Maintain daily routines, even if schools are closed
Encourage healthy sleep, physical activity, good nutrition, and family contact
Impact of the Pandemic on the Elderly
Older adults and those with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to stress, including:
Fear of death
Feelings of abandonment and isolation
Depression and cognitive decline
Physical symptoms related to mental stress (headaches, stomach pain)
Mental Health After Quarantine
Even without illness, being isolated due to exposure to COVID-19 can cause:
Ongoing anxiety about health and reinfection
Emotional confusion, loneliness
Stress related to being monitored
Sadness if people avoid you afterward
People coming out of quarantine should be aware of these emotional and physical changes and learn to manage them. Socially, instead of distancing from them, we should approach them with understanding and proper communication.