Managing Mental Health during Pandemic

A number of uncertainties and gloomy news during the Covid-19 pandemic have caused some people to experience depression. Using free time to do a hobby also bring a positive effect in the form of pleasure and peace.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The expression on the face of Endang (64), an online motorcycle taxi driver when receiving a vaccine injection during a passing vehicle vaccine service for the elderly (elderly) at GOR Pajajaran, Bogor City, West Java, Wednesday (17/3/2021).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — A number of uncertainties and gloomy news during the Covid-19 pandemic have caused some people to experience depression. With such a condition, efforts to manage stress and maintain emotional stability are becoming more important.

Professor of clinical psychology at the University of Padjadjaran (Unpad) , Sawitri Supardi Sadarjoen, said that the prolonged pandemic had brought social emotional effects that caused the people to fall into depression. As the result, in carrying out their activities, people have become more worried and afraid, she said.

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"Everything that is excessive, whether it\'s related to a worries about Covid-19 information or a fear of contracting this disease, will definitely have a bad effect on our ability to socialize," she said in Kompas’ Dedicated Scholar Webinar Series II titled "Managing Mental Health during a Pandemic” in Jakarta on Wednesday (23/6/2021).

According to Sawitri, who is also the recipient of the 2017 Kompas Dedicated Scholar Award, the ability to maintain a balance between rationality and emotions and to have optimal self-confidence are the most important things during the pandemic. This self-confidence should be accompanied by optimal vigilance, she added.

Can be reduced

It means that if we have to leave the house, we must ensure that we have taken maximum precautions.

A person can feel more relaxed and calm if he or she knows who they are and the condition of their environment. Concerns about the transmission of Covid-19 can also be reduced if a person has the confidence to prevent the transmission of the disease while maintaining a rational mind.

“It means that if we have to leave the house, we must ensure that we have taken maximum precautions. For example, wearing two masks and adhering to health protocols. The rest, we can surrender to the situation so that we can feel calmer, “she said.

KOMPAS/YUNIADHI AGUNG (MYE) 06-02-2020

A group of people participated in a meditation activity organized by the Indonesian Tergar meditation community in Jakarta, Thursday (6/2/2020). Doing meditation is one way to maintain one\'s mental health.

Sawitiri said there were several things that should be considered so that mental health during the pandemic can be managed optimally, namely maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Face-to-face social activities can be replaced virtually so that socialization with other people can be maintained.

In addition, using your free time to do a hobby can also bring a positive effect in the form of pleasure and peace.

During a pandemic, one can also revive and improve the interrelation and intercommunication with family members.

Spiritual activities that are carried out alone or with family must be maintained consistently.

“The integration of these activities will result in the optimization of the people’s mental health in coexistence with the environment. That way, mental health during the pandemic can be optimally maintained," said Sawitri.

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She also said that the media could also play a role in supporting the mental health of the community. Gloomy news that could bring a stressful effect on the public, for example, should be avoided.

The media is expected to be able to convey the news completely with good sentences and easy to understand. News about important aspects about Covid-19 can be conveyed in a relaxed tone but can be accepted rationally by the community.

Contacted separately, the chairman of the Indonesian Medical Associations (IDI), Daeng M. Faqih said that a great psychological pressure was also experienced by health workers in charge of handling Covid-19. A full support should be given to them to reduce their burden, and psychologist or psychiatrist assistance should be also provided at every health facility, he added.

“With the resurgence in new Covid-19 cases, it is important to increase the number of health workers so that they are not exhausted, getting bored, and afraid of being infected. Social activities, such as entertainment, should also be provided when not on duty. Incentives must be fulfilled on time so that they can work more calmly, especially ensuring that the family they leave behind is still protected,” said Daeng.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.