Pandemic fatigue? We explain about it here
The appearance of the pandemic has been a surprise for everyone, and with it the duration, since we all believed that it would only be a few weeks or even months.
Already a little over a year into a pandemic full of restrictions, changes and confinement, the effects are undeniable.
No one was prepared for the 180-degree turn of life and ways of relating.
We have had to adapt to this new normal that happens to us and with it to the appearance of stress symptoms.
Next, we will talk to you about pandemic fatigue, and we will give you some tips to be able to manage it in the best possible way.
What is pandemic fatigue?
It is a series of signs and symptoms that arise as a result of the new dynamics that we have had to adopt in current times.
This anguish is produced by the constant state of hypervigilance to which we are constantly subjected, due to the drastic change in circumstances and the uncertainty that derives from not being clear about what comes next.
The emotional exhaustion that being in this situation of lack of control supposes for our organism then generates a feeling of exhaustion, fatigue, heaviness, among other symptoms.
That can hinder the development and rhythm of life that we maintained prior to the pandemic.
These new conditions have forced us to leave behind activities that we enjoyed and modify the way we interact.
Having less direct contact with our loved ones, family, friends and significant others.
In addition to the constant tension about contagion and the care to prevent it, the anguish has spread to a large part of our functioning, which generates the state of pandemic fatigue.
A feeling of stagnation despite the efforts invested worries a large part of the population today.
What symptoms does it present?
Among the symptoms that are generated in pandemic fatigue we can find:
Those related to anxiety
Apathy
Frustration
Irritability
Exhaustion
Hopelessness
Demotivation
Alteration in sleep cycles
Tiredness
Pains without physical cause
Sickness
Headaches
Somatic experience of anxiety such as tachycardia, muscle tension, dizziness, among others
These symptoms are both mental and physical, since they are highly related and what affects the mind is reflected in the body.
These sensations must not be associated with any other pathology and must have appeared from the first announcement of the pandemic onwards to be considered as symptoms of the effect of pandemic fatigue.
We can experience them in our day to day and under specific stimuli related to the situation or news around the pandemic or spontaneously.
It is understandable that we experience all this, since we are still adapting to this new dynamic that is still surrounded by uncertainty, however if they impede daily functioning, you should seek medical and psychological assistance so that they do not lead to chronic pathologies such as generalized anxiety or anxiety depression.
It is good to monitor these symptoms and sensations in a journal to help us identify and drain current difficulties.
The fear
In particular, we highlight fear as a symptom of pandemic fatigue, since it has increased significantly in these circumstances.
And it is normal that we are afraid of contagion and the future, since there is nothing guaranteed so far and the unpredictability of the situation affects everyone.
How can we fight it?
Manage your emotions
Validate your feelings, be understanding with yourself and contextualize your emotions, accept them and understand them. Identify what makes you feel better or worse during the day and in relation to the routine.
Also work on identifying those thoughts that cause you anguish to regulate them.
Ask yourself what you need in the current moment, practice self-care and focus on those things that generate well-being.
Seek support in your close ties
We know that the pandemic changed the way we relate, but that does not mean that we cannot keep in touch with those significant others.
Organize digital meetings and share quality time with your loved ones.
Be flexible
We are still surrounded by many changes, let's make an effort to be flexible.
Focus on what is in your control
Focus on the present and carry out sports activities to take care of your health and obtain well-being.
Find activities you enjoy
Practice new activities to connect with yourself and your environment or go back to those you did before adapting them to current circumstances.
Disconnect
The constant bombardment of information also increases levels of distress during the day, set times when you are away from social media and news related to the pandemic.
In these difficult times it is important not to leave our physical and mental health aside.