Preparing for the coming weeks floods feelings of loneliness, anxiety and frustration • Aran Association: "Be alert to those around you" • Here are some tips for mobilizing mental strength these days
"Despite the situation, do not be left alone"
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Preparing for the closure of the battle floods again and again with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, frustration, existential distress and especially the understanding that the period of dealing with the virus will remain with us for a long time.
"Once the closure has come up for discussion, we are experiencing another leap in distress calls. Over the past week we have received more than 7,500 phone and internet inquiries from people who have shared with us very hard feelings of stress, anxiety, confusion and deep frustration," notes Dr. Shiri Daniels, National Professional Director In the Aran Association.
The main victims of the ongoing crisis are primarily the elderly population.
According to Dr. Daniels, "Elderly people face tremendous loneliness, and they are joined by quite a few adolescents who have experienced the loneliest summer vacation, and of course adults who are facing an employment and economic crisis."
Along with the jump in the number of referrals, the association is preparing to strengthen the service these days.
"We call on the public to be vigilant towards those around them. Emotional distress is often hidden, and we have a huge responsibility for the well-being of our loved ones, friends and neighbors. Our 1201 telephone line and internet service is available 24 hours a day," explains Dr. Daniels.
Dr. Liora Bar-Tor, a clinical psychologist and a member of the board of directors of the Israel Gerontological Association, explains that the first important step to take is to internalize that the corona is here to stay. Accepting the changed reality requires, "It is advisable to replace the thought 'what I can not do' with 'what I can do'."