Ways to Protect Yourself from Coronaphobia

Coronaphobia is more widespread than coronavirus itself

With statements like "Actually that's not true" and "I heard it from a very reliable source," disaster scenarios spreading in waves have introduced a type of anxiety into our lives at a dizzying pace; Coronaphobia, according to Clinical Psychologist Simru Kavak from Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, "Without even having a chance to filter information pollution, we keep adding new anxieties every day about the Coronavirus, which is already uncertain by nature, and we can take exaggerated precautions out of fear. However, Coronaphobia can cause psychological problems in people who lose the boundaries between 'being cautious' and 'unreasonably restricting one's life,' leaving permanent marks in their lives," he says. So how can we control our anxiety levels during this period and counter the permanent damage the virus could cause to our psychology? Clinical Psychologist Simru Kavak explained seven simple but effective precautions against Coronaphobia, offering important warnings and recommendations.

Do not let news sources become sources of fear

Unrealistic fear is triggered by unrealistic news. First and foremost, make sure to follow only reliable news sources during this period.

The fastest spreading virus is panic, be careful with protection!

Panic spreads faster than the virus itself. Try not to panic and distance yourself from conversations and people who push you into panic. If necessary, it doesn't hurt to keep your distance from people or sources you follow who make you uncomfortable while talking.

Every precaution has its proper dose

Remember that it is sufficient to follow the security and health precautions shared by relevant authorities. If you are already regularly washing and disinfecting your hands or taking care to maintain safe distances, creating pressure to apply additional security measures that have not been proven effective on your own will only increase your anxiety level. For example, trying to consume all the recommended foods you see on every channel will probably lead you to other health problems rather than protecting you from the virus.

Do not leave your questions unanswered

Uncertainty triggers anxiety. Getting answers to the questions on your mind by consulting relevant healthcare workers or institutions can help you feel relieved. The key point here is to consult "competent, relevant people" rather than social media, family or friend WhatsApp groups!

Disaster scenarios are usually just scenarios

Clinical Psychologist Simru Kavak states, "One of the most important features distinguishing the Coronavirus panic from previous epidemic virus panics is the now much more widespread and uncontrolled use of social media. Do not believe disaster scenarios in messages or voice recordings; if necessary, stop following them." she says.

Listen to your body's voice; it may be revealing secrets about your anxiety

If you are experiencing physical effects of your anxiety and fear such as heart palpitations, anger, and irregular breathing, you can turn to relaxing activities like walking, breathing exercises, or meditation that you enjoy and are interested in. This, in addition to physical relief, can also help establish your psychological balance.

Turn the virus into an opportunity

Since we are entering spring season, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities, try to spend more time outside. In fact, during this period you can use the slowing down of life and the virus as an opportunity to give yourself time.

How do you know if phobia is knocking at your door?

It is very normal and healthy to feel worried about the Coronavirus, which has become a major epidemic affecting the entire world, spreading to you or your loved ones. Because this concern, in line with expert recommendations, directs you to take precautions. However, these concerns can gradually increase and reach phobia levels. What distinguishes a phobia from healthy anxiety is that we feel more threat than we should actually feel and develop avoidance behavior from situations that are the object of the phobia. But is there a boundary between these two feelings? Clinical Psychologist Simru Kavak says the following about this boundary: "Regarding Coronaphobia, the boundary where healthy anxiety begins to turn into unhealthy fear becomes dangerous when our routines that continue under normal circumstances or the recommendations made by experts begin to disrupt our daily life functioning and relationships in terms of number and frequency. Obsessive behaviors that a person sometimes develops to relax can also accompany phobia and complicate life. For example, disinfecting our hands when we leave a shopping mall or public transportation is normal anxiety-related behavior, but continuous, repetitive, and prolonged cleaning rituals even when we stay at home are related to unrealistic thoughts and unhealthy levels of fear. For example, washing your hands every 10 minutes even at home with the concern that you have been infected, or feeling deep worry and distress when you cannot wash, indicates that phobia is knocking at your door accompanied by obsessive behaviors."