Contents
This is how a regrowth can affect us psychologically and thus we can face it
Psychology
We must learn to identify the fear we feel in order to face it
Images that a few months ago were the most normal to us, such as concerts in which there is no room for a pin, crowded beaches or large shopping centers overflowing with customers, in the coined “new normal” they cause all our alarms to go off. After spending nearly three months confined to home, the idea of having to do it again, now that we know more precisely what we are up against, is even more terrifying than it did the first time.
The consequences of a new regrowth they would be devastating. Nobody wants to go back to those days that are very close but that, perhaps as protection, begin to be fuzzy in our head. Lock ourselves at home again and face numbers again
Ravishing and terrible, unless, again, being able to go out more than to do the shopping, and see how everything seems to be falling apart, would have consequences on many levels of our lives; our mental health would have a great challenge ahead.
Analyze fear to control it
The first consequence may be already alive: the fear of a new regrowth can begin to overwhelm us. Aída Rubio, psychologist and coordinator of the TherapyChat team of psychologists, explains that, in case we are worried about the possibility of a regrowth, we must understand the emotion we feel in order to control it. «In the specific case of outbreaks, it is worth analyzing: is it an objective fear? Is it useful for me to face the question? In short, does my fear correspond to objective thoughts adjusted to a complicated reality or are they distorted thoughts? “, Says the professional.
In case we are overwhelmed by this fear, the psychologist leaves a few tips to learn to face it: the first thing is try to stop controlling everything, in this situation, something that is totally external to us. Likewise, it points out the importance of “having friendly voices and not losing social contacts despite fear”, since sharing with others how we find ourselves and fostering those social relationships are a great protective factor.
«In the same way, it is important have confidence in us same and in our abilities to handle ourselves emotionally in difficult moments », he explains and adds that,« if we feel ourselves in an extreme situation, it is best to contact a professional psychologist ».
A new situation
If, finally, we had to face a new outbreak, we would find ourselves in an extraordinary situation, since, although similar to the one we have already experienced, we would arrive with a baggage that we did not have the previous time. “How we handle a possible new confinement is going to be determined by the sum of what we have been dragging over these months, not only by how we were before the pandemic, but in what emotional state has left us this one ”, explains the psychologist.
One of the peculiarities of this possible situation is that we would reach a new confinement knowing how the experience of the first one was. This time, we would not go blind. When asked if this would be more or less beneficial to know how to manage it, the psychologist Aída Rubio explains that “it depends on the person.” “It has to do with how the first confinement was experienced, whether the tools available to manage their emotions are effective and whether the social and family support network It is strong, ”he points out. For this reason, he urges us to make an effort to reflect and analyze how we manage and experience confinement, in order to answer this question.
The importance of self-analysis
«Many people have shown themselves their strengths and even have learned new skills and they have become better known in this regard. These people have undoubtedly benefited from the experience to be able to face future confinement with more confidence, if there were one, “he says, adding that, on the other hand, people who do not have been able to manage it successfully, with more security they would face it with fears and anxieties. “I advise these people to seek professional support to understand and work from their personal circumstances on how they can strengthen their skills and regain control of the situation, even now,” explains the professional.
Finally, Aída Rubio gives a few tips to deal with this situation. “The first, If something worked for you the previous occasion, do not hesitate, apply it», Recommends. Also, it urges us to see confinement with perspective, as a passing circumstance, and know how to project ourselves into the future with optimism, since this “will help to break the dynamic of negative and distorted thoughts.” “To take care of ourselves emotionally, it would be advisable to maintain good routines, rest (not just sleep, but dedicate time to rewarding activities at home), and lean a lot on those closest to us,” concludes the psychologist.