30.10.2020
The second wave of COVID-19: how not to get sick and stay calm
The advice of psychologists and virologists
The highest number of newly infected people since the beginning of the pandemic was registered in Germany for the last 24 hours - 14,714. In her traditional address to the citizens on Saturday, Chancellor Merkel reiterated what she said last week - reduce contacts to a minimum!
Currently, the second wave of COVID-19 is rising, and with it two fears: of infection and of a new complete closure, the so-called "lockdown". These fears undoubtedly affect our behavior, psychologists say. We are under stress because we do not know if we will cope with the situation - and we react in different ways.
Some take feverish measures against possible dangers, make all sorts of exaggerated preparations and stock up on products, while others downplay the danger or completely deny it. As usual - the "golden" environment is the one that would allow us to protect ourselves in the best way.
Fear is normal
German psychoanalyst Hans-Jürgen Wirth believes that many people's fear of infection is completely normal. "But our psychological mechanisms are set up in such a way that we cannot be constantly in a state of heightened danger and in a state of fear. That's why reducing the level of fear is a healthy psychosomatic response," he said.
To anyone who continues to experience fear, Wirth recommends concentrating on what gives them a sense of security. For example, think that following good hygiene and distance rules reduces the risk.
At the same time, the psychoanalyst warns
not to overdo it,
because if a person shuts himself up at home and stops going out at all, it will certainly permanently create new fears for him and every going out will be associated with stress. The most important thing is to look at the situation soberly, to weigh the risks, and to react adequately to the dangers, Wirth recommends.
Many believe that the restrictions imposed are too strict because they affect our freedom of movement, our contacts, our personal sphere, even our appearance, and thus disrupt our sense of being free and independent individuals. There are people who, because of this, sometimes feel an urgent need to express themselves, and this is often done through eccentric behavior, explains the psychoanalyst. Some loudly protest against the rules, others provoke others and constantly demand more attention, while others take the situation completely lightly and deny the danger.
Berlin psychologist Etleva Johnny explains this with the weakened defense mechanisms of our psyche as a result of the first wave of the pandemic. "We experienced a lockdown, an acute crisis, a ban on social contacts. Then the situation improved, but this period was not enough for us to fully recover. The main reason: all the time we were not able to plan anything and manage the situation. "The carefree summer turned out to be the simplest illusion, and now the situation is becoming serious again," she told SPIEGEL.
In the name of psychological balance
But what to do now? Experts advise, above all, to be aware of the situation and not to panic. And they recall the famous recipe: if you can't change the situation, change your attitude towards it! Swiss virologist Isabella Eckerle gives some practical advice on how not to get infected with COVID-19 and to maintain our psychological balance during the second wave.
She recommends that we do not completely give up our daily habits, and that we can postpone what we can postpone. She explicitly told the German weekly Die Zeit that we did not have to stop our meetings with close people at all. However, instead of gathering at home or in crowded indoor areas, we will be much better off if we go for a walk with these people or go to a nearby park together. And we can get a thermos with tea and freshly baked pie. Don't forget to dress warmly, Eckerle reminds and advises to always take out the children who feel especially good outside.
If you still have to gather at home, let it be in a narrow circle, she urges. If the weather allows - go out on the balcony or in the yard. If this is not possible - just ventilate enough. Isabella Eckerle also notes something obvious:
no one will be angry with you,
if you do not accept an invitation for a wedding, birthday or anniversary, and if you reject a friend's offer to visit you. This is not considered a bad tone these days. But it's bad to go to places where a lot of people gather and where people speak loudly, says the virologist. It is in such places that the risk of contracting the coronavirus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets, is highest.
On this occasion, she gives some more advice. Instead of using public transport, it is best to travel by bicycle or on foot. Instead of going to the store, it is better to shop online everything that can be bought there. And when you feel like going to a restaurant, just order food to take home. While waiting for your doctor's turn, it is better to stay on the street or in your car. And, of course, never forget the protective mask.
Useful selfishness
Isabella Eckerle also says that in times of a pandemic, it is especially important to think about yourself and your own health. This selfishness within reasonable limits is even useful. The virologist reminds us to pay special attention to any symptoms - especially cough, sore throat, impaired sense of smell, fever and shortness of breath. All of these symptoms may mean that we have COVID-19. But we should not forget prevention: to maintain the immune system, Dr. Eckerle recommends a lot of air movement and exercise. Of course, it's best not to go to the gym, but to play sports outdoors instead, she advises. And he recommends jogging, cycling, horseback riding, and at home - yoga or exercise bike.
Whether we like it or not, we are solely responsible for our own protection against infection, says Isabella Eckerle. That's why it might be worthwhile to temporarily give up some of your favorite habits that are dangerous during a pandemic - and return to them only when the danger passes. Then we will experience double pleasure!
