Coronavirus stress and anxiety, the rules of psychiatrists to manage them

- More anxious and depressed, disheartened, forced to see plans that have long been organized jump. Coronavirus is not only a health emergency but also an epidemic of insecurity that is amplified with the uncontrolled spread of untrue news. To stem it, the Italian Society of Psychiatry (SIP) has developed the 'anti-panic' rules and launches an appeal to "not upset daily habits".
The fear of an epidemic is as old as man, explains Enrico Zanalda, president of Sip, "and in this case it is amplified by the very rapid spread of partial, if not downright false, news which can cause a collapse of trust in relations between people and institutions ". Also weighing on ANA, is the fact that "the virus is having a violent impact on daily life, changing our lives and causing the cancellation or postponement of hundreds of thousands of minor, but important events in life of people, from birthdays to baptisms. "
Added to this is the fact that "the contradictory news circulating online and on social networks, combined with the necessary measures taken", explains Massimo Di Giannantonio, elected president of SIP and full professor of psychiatry at the University of Chieti-Pescara, "creates a mix anxiety that has changed the perception of individual health and well-being "and also risks generating" hypochondria and anxiety from greasers ". Hence the anti-panic rules that start from sticking to official communications and authoritative media, because correct information helps to contain fear.
So, do not upset your daily habits, keep calm and avoid making decisions if you are in a moment of panic. And, if anxiety or depression appears, contact specialists. (ANSA).