Covid-19: Handle mental stress, anxiety with care, UAE doctors

  • Date: 10-Jan-2021
  • Source: Khaleej Times
  • Sector:Healthcare
  • Country:UAE
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Covid-19: Handle mental stress, anxiety with care, UAE doctors

The pandemic has taken taken a toll on our mind and body.

The ‘new normal' has unleashed unscheduled remote working hours, social isolation, travel restrictions, uncertainty and disruption to our lives. People are struggling to cope with Covid-induced stress and anxiety.

Medical experts pointed out this is likely to persist beyond the pandemic. They said that paying attention to mental and physical well-being is the only way to stay healthy.

Dr Nahida Ahmed, consultant psychiatrist, and chair of Behavioral Health Council for Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), said: “This pandemic has ‘reset' the lives of people, across all ages and demographics, with many having to adapt to a ‘new normal'. Some have experienced the loss of a family member and dealt with the impact of the infection.

Depending on the proximity to the illness and the type of experience this pandemic had on an individual or family, the responses (from people) have varied from severe forms of mental distress, such as depression to milder forms, such as anxiety or adjustment disorders.”

Dr Nahida said that more than ever before, it is of utmost importance to take care of the mental wellbeing of