Psychiatrist explains how to cope with COVID-19

Household necessities are disappearing from store shelves, as virus-induced panic-buying takes hold of Taiwan. Our reporter Stephany Yang speaks to Sophie Liang, a psychiatrist at Chang Gung Hospital, to learn about the psychology behind panic-buying. Dr. Liang also has advice for how parents can talk to their kids about COVID-19. Visitors surge into stores. Amid the pandemic, shelves have been emptied across the world. In Taiwan, after the 100th COVID-19 case was announced Wednesday, shoppers flocked to supermarkets to stock up on non-perishables such as instant noodles and canned goods, and daily life essentials such as tissue paper. Why is this happening? An expert says it''s because people are searching for a sense of control during a time of anxiety. Sophie Liang Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatristFear of the unknown. Feel like everything change. Everything is changing in the daily life. This kind of insecurity, people will have some kind of defense mechanism. Panic-buying a kind of is a reflex to the defense mechanism to fear. People try to buy things to try to make them feel like they do something for themselves. Just like before people buying the mask. Across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, some supermarkets have imposed a cap to limit the supplies a single shopper can buy. Is this panic-buying necessary? The psychiatrist says there''s a difference between preparation and panic-buying. Sophie Liang Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatristIt''s quite hard to say if it''s necessary because sometimes, something that people buy is not really necessary. People should be aware if it is rational or irrational. For example, 10 packs of toilet paper – that''s too much. But maybe buy something necessary for you to feel safe, that’s okay. What can people do to cope with stress during an infectious disease outbreak? The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by the U.S. Congress in 2000, listed some steps that families can take. Communication is important. Keep up-to-date on what is happening with the outbreak through credible media outlets and public health authorities. But limit exposure to media that might instill fear. Secondly, maintain a consistent routine when it comes to meals, bedtimes, and exercise. Thirdly, engage in proper hygiene such as hand-washing. Lastly, engage in self-care. Sophie LiangChang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatristTry to listen to what is going on in your heart. Is it overwhelming anxiety? Is it worry? If really necessary maybe take some mindful breathing to calm yourself, or try to do some exercise or activity. Stop the media. Go back to your center of yourself and to think about it. Engage the routine you need to do. And engage something you like to do. If you have family, engage your family life. Due to schools being suspended and classes moving online around the world, children can also be susceptible to anxiety. Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched a website to help parents help children cope with COVID-19. This website has articles in Mandarin, English, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. The content emphasizes the fact that it’s important to protect children both physically and emotionally. [[cg]] It recommends something called the P.E.A.C.E. method, which stands for five ways to stabilize mood. P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym that stands for Play Games, Enhance Sense of Security, Accept Your Emotion, Change the Behavior, and Engage in Life.Sophie LiangChang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatristI think first of all, just talk to them. You can hold a family meeting, choose a comfortable place to talk, and to explain what is going on. Use the language level that they understand. Second way you can use is use a kind of play. For example, doctor and patient. Disclose the emotion is also important. Let the children or other family members to have their chance to vent either their worry, their fear, or their anger. The psychiatrist says that if a loved one is having a difficult time coping, there are ways to get help. They include seeking ut a trained counselor or turning to resources provided by trusted public authorities.

[amelialin]

There's no panic buying in Taiwan.
It happened that Sat.& Sun. is the free day for working individuals to buy thier grocery supply.

[Earlybirdify]

Quartine is in Bible.
Isaiah 26:20
"Go home, My people, Lock your doors and hide yourself till Lord's wrath passed."
Father bless you
Saint James