Fighting fear and depression amid COVID-19

It’s okay not to be okay.

This is the message of the Department of Health for those who have been feeling down, anxious and even depressed amid the COVID-19 pandemic and enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

According to DOH, these are all normal emotions that can be overcome.

Dr. Noel Reyes, Chief Medical and Professional Staff of the National Center for Mental Health, agrees.

“Ang sitwasyon kasi ngayon ay medyo magulo,” Reyes says. “Dahil ito’y isang sakit at hindi natin malaman kung ano talaga ang gamot o lunas, may kaakibat itong takot. Nararamdaman nila na sila’y hindi na in control of the situation and that is stressing them out o nagbi-bring about ng anxiety.”

Reyes explains that anxiety can progress to depression and the signs to look out for include aversion to talk to others, the inability to function, lack of appetite, and feeling tired.

In order to avoid these, it is important to exercise, remain calm, eat healthy food and follow the authorities.

RELATED: 8 ways to cope during the COVID-19 threat, according to the Psychological Association of the Philippines

Reyes also advises to get information only from legitimate sources, talk to your loved ones via call or video call, and most importantly, tell others about how you feel.

“The first step of treatment is acceptance,” says Reyes. “If you deny yourself na you’re already feeling depressed and you’re not telling anybody, then talagang burden sa’yo ‘yan and sooner or later talagang magsu-surrender ka. So better na talagang mas maganda, talk to somebody else.”

He adds that it is equally important for others to be emphatic towards those who may be feeling anxious or depressed. “Dapat lang natin sigurong intindihin at bigyan ng malasakit yung mga taong nagkaroon ng sakit na ito.”

The public may also call the National Center for Mental Health hotlines which are open 24 hours daily: +63917 899-USAP (8727) / +632 79898727. — LA, GMA News