How do Poles deal with the pandemic? Results of the study «Stresodporni»

A breakthrough year is behind us. The outbreak of the pandemic, quarantine and lifestyle changes did not remain indifferent to our psyche. We decided to compare the mental condition of Poles at the beginning of the pandemic and after almost a year of its duration. The results are quite surprising. Why? It would seem that after such a time we will get used to the situation and our mental health will also improve. Unfortunately – the results of the research we conducted are not optimistic. It turns out that we still strongly feel the negative effects of the pandemic, and our mental condition is in a bad condition.

1. The coronavirus pandemic broke out in Poland in early March 2020
2. The “Stress-resistant” study checked how the mental condition of Poles changed during its duration
3. The vast majority of respondents complained about greater stress than before the COVID-19 era, and such panics were also more frequent.
4. Surprisingly, at the end of 2000, we used alcohol and tranquilizers less frequently than at the beginning of the pandemic.
5. Do you want to live longer? Make a simple test and find out how! 
6. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

Coronavirus in Poland: how do we feel after a year of pandemic?

The “Stress-resistant” report is the result of research on the mental condition of Poles at the beginning of the pandemic and at the end of 2020. Unfortunately, the results are disturbing – over 77 percent. of respondents struggle with panic attacks that are difficult to control, and 68% states that he experiences more stress than he did before the pandemic. 46,9 percent admits having difficulty controlling emotions.

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However, there is also some positive information. Fewer people experience irritation, anger and anger – here it fell from 44,7%. up to 29,9 percent subjects. The percentage of people experiencing anxiety also decreased – from 47,8%. up to 32,5 percent The respondents also feel sad and depressed less often – at the end of the year, these emotions were indicated by only 22,7%. subjects.

COVID-19 pandemic. What are we doing to feel better?

Unfortunately, in response to negative emotions, Poles often decide to use sedatives (over 81%) or, worse, alcohol (72,4%). It is worth noting that only 57 percent. of the respondents cope with stress in a more optimal way – by performing activities promoting relaxation and restsuch as walking, reading, spending time with loved ones or pursuing your passions. Reaching for various types of stimulants is not so much a solution to the problem, but its alleviation. After discontinuing the action of a given substance, e.g. alcohol, malaise returns and in the long term this way of working will be very burdensome and risky for us.

Compared with the onset of the pandemic, consumption of alcohol and tranquilizers fell slightly (by 5% and 6%, respectively).However, at the same time, the percentage of people who engage in healthy, positive activities such as exercise has also decreased – almost 44% did so at the beginning of the pandemic. respondents, and after a year only 35,3 percent. Fewer people also consciously limit tracking information about the virus – here we recorded a decrease from 60%. up to 49,5 percent

However, we can also see a positive change in dealing with emotions – more people have started using breathing and relaxation techniques. At the end of the year, they were used by almost 30 percent. subjects. Long-term stress and being in constant uncertainty made some people consciously look for effective techniques and ways to deal with what they feel, perhaps also to be able to help their relatives in the event of a reduced mental condition. The training offered to employees by companies has also increased the awareness and knowledge of how emotions arise and how we can navigate them.

Mental hygiene – a solution that is good for everyone

So how should we care for our well-being? The answer is simple – conscious and regular mental hygiene. After all, we take care of physical hygiene, which is now considered a standard, but we still forget about the psyche.

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Mental hygiene includes activities that positively affect our mental health, such as sleeping, regular exercise, spending time actively, diet or the company of loved ones (in the era of a pandemic, it does not have to be direct, sometimes a phone call or a conversation on a webcam is enough). website). As part of taking care of your psyche, it is also good to limit the inflow of information, especially negative ones, and sitting in front of the screen. Every day we come across an excessive amount of stimuli that only increase stress. So instead of hanging out in front of the TV set, let’s go to the forest or go for a walk with the dog.

React in time

It often happens that we ourselves do not perceive the moment when we start to feel worse. That is why it is worth being in touch with your body and emotions. If you feel anxious, sad, depressed or irritated more than usual, it is a sign that you need to respond. These are not only mental but also physical symptoms – fatigue, sleep problems, physical tension, headaches …

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The scheme of action in such a situation is simple – remember the abbreviation HALTwhich comes from the English words: hungry – hungry, angry – angry, lonely – lonely and tired – tired. Mental malaise is very often associated with these factors. Taking care of these four elements is essential to feeling better. When we control them, we can see if we feel better and if we need further action.

When similar conditions recur or worsen, we are over-flared, we are more emotional, unable to focus, we have sleep disorders, we eat more or less, or we feel headaches after high stress – these are signals that we need help. Especially if we use alcohol more and more often, even in small amounts, or calm down with medications. This makes it very easy to get addicted. If we feel that we cannot cope with this situation, it is worth reaching for the help of a specialist.

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