Istanbul Gelisim University - Full closure recommendation from psychiatrists: Video chat with your loved ones

Full closure recommendation from psychiatrists: Video chat with your loved ones

Stating that the pandemic brings many problems such as depression, feeling of burnout and especially trauma, Psychiatrist Dr. Alişan Burak Yaşar says, “There are moments when we feel helpless. We cannot use coping mechanisms such as human relations and solidarity. People heal people. Talk to our loved ones in the morning and evening by video chatting for 10-15 minutes if possible."

The lockdown process continues in the coronavirus. Pointing out that a mental pandemic is also being experienced in this period, Psychiatrist from Istanbul Gelisim University Alişan Burak Yaşar says, “We are in a very difficult period in terms of dating, social relations and meetings due to the pandemic. Previously, when a person felt bad, they would go visit their neighbor and meet with their friends. At least, they used to go for a walk. People had already limited their social relationships in fear of being infected before the lockdown started. We are deprived of social opportunities, we cannot label it as good or bad because we had to do so. But we must realize that this situation will cause psychological wounds.”

SOCIAL HEALING HAS CHANGED

Emphasizing that a solution should be found according to the conditions, Yaşar says, “If possible, let's talk with our loved ones in the morning and evening for 10-15 minutes. Many people work from home, our relationship with the internet has greatly increased. People used to meet at work or in social settings. Now, they come across in meetings and applications in the virtual environment, which seems to be social. Our social recovery opportunities have changed a lot compared to pre-pandemic period. However, we can build social opportunities unique to today.”

WE HEAL WITH RELATIONS

Yaşar says, “People get better with relations, we need resources for this. That's why we use resources on social media. In fact, this can close many gaps because we used to meet in the market or we would meet at weddings, associations, sport events, art events. However, we now put on masks, we only see each others’ eyes, we do not communicate with gestures. People heal people."

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE EVEN THE PANDEMIC IS OVER

Stating that every contact will leave a mark, Yaşar says, “A person can never return to their previous state completely. Therefore, what we have been taught and how we have been affected by the pandemic will leave significant marks on us, even if the risk is completely vanished.”

THE SPIRITUAL PANDEMIC

Emphasizing the importance of solidarity, Yaşar indicates, “WHO has also announced there is a spiritual pandemic. The number of people suffering from depression, trauma and burnout has risen considerably. We also conducted a research on healthcare professionals. We have found that they have significant difficulties with insomnia and hopelessness. We experience moments when we feel helpless. We cannot use coping mechanisms such as human relations and solidarity. The most important strength of man in the face of difficulties is solidarity. Man cannot survive alone. We find it very difficult to be together.”