Gelisim News

Psychiatrist Dr. Emre Tan from Istanbul Gelisim University made statements about the effects of the coronavirus epidemic on mental health. Psychiatrist, who stated that people will lose their health or fear of intense death, may cause hypochondriasis (obsession with getting sick) or anxiety disorders. Emre Tan said: “The effort to hold on to life is a process that we see in almost everyone, even if the person is not very satisfied with his life. Man naturally tries to stay alive well and healthy. When he feels that he cannot sustain them, his anxiety and fear are considered natural to some extent. Outbreak diseases undermine this desire to live and be healthy. In addition to epidemics, anxiety is at the top when the exact picture of the current picture originates, how it progresses, and how it is treated. Because the main condition for anxiety and restlessness is uncertainty. The uncertainty of these processes was very high in the coronavirus disease we experienced recently. As time goes on, it becomes easier for us to understand the disease, but it is not clear yet. This causes anxiety to continue”
 
IS EVERYONE AFFECTED THE SAME?

Psychiatrist Dr Emre Tan stating that the reactions of people against stress will vary, said: “Personality structure, past life experiences, social support structure and opportunities cause everyone to create different reactions. The susceptibility to exposure, the state and attitudes of the society in which it operates, are effective in shaping this process.”
 
HOW DOES IT AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH?

Stating that the virus epidemic first created restlessness, anxiety and worries, Tan warned: “It is also possible to observe the news about the disease obsessively, to ignore these news or to remain insensitive. Irregularities in sleep times and quality, difficulties in gathering attention may occur. Inquiries about the search for meaning of life, existence may increase. A general unwillingness may begin. Alcohol and substance use may increase. Feelings of imbalance, tension or anger may appear in emotions. The existing psychological diseases can worsen.”
 
“TRANSPARENCY OF INFORMATION SOURCES HAS POSITIVE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH”

Psychiatrist Dr. Emre Tan from Istanbul GeliSim University emphasized that uncertainty and hiding something increases the chaos when combined with conspiracy theories, and added: “Therefore, reliable and transparent information sources affect individual and community mental health positively. The media coverage of the news on the subject should not be in a panic way. Although news flows on social media and other elements increase, it often involves repetition of the same. Being exposed to the same negative process many times may impair your mental health. Therefore, it may be appropriate for the person to make certain news diets.”
 
SLEEPING WELL IS VERY IMPORTANT

Noting that sleeping well is one of the most important factors for the mind to rest during these periods, Tan said: “Alcohol and drugs should be avoided. Meditation, yoga and sports activities can be done to reduce stress. Short vacation breaks can be made taking into account the precautionary measures. Rather than being alone in this process, it may be beneficial to be with a few friends or family members and to share the feelings by adapting the disease transmission and protection conditions. Talking and sharing negative emotions have priority in dealing with stress. Instead of following pessimistic and anxious developments over and over again, home efforts and hobby activities that will enable them to get out of this vicious circle can make a positive contribution.”