How to overcome psychological tension amid coronavirus pandemic? - EXPERT ADVISE

The coronavirus pandemic expands its geographical boundaries. Countries are applying new restrictions to protect people from contagion. They close schools, kindergartens, universities, catering, entertainment centers, and limit the activity of cafes and restaurants. Some even prohibited citizens from going outside. The World Health Organization urges people to stay at home.

Report has addressed all these questions to Nuriya Guliyeva, head of the Center for Professional Psychology.

- How to battle psychological tension amid coronavirus?

 The best way to fight stress is by raising awareness. I guess our country has done a lot in this field, taking correct and timely preventive measures. Classes at schools were suspended when only several people could have the virus. The last decision was to restrict the entry to the city, apply special mode in restaurants, cafes, and other public places, which was important. It works well with the citizens psychologically, because people stop worrying, though partly, that the virus will not spread much in Azerbaijan. I believe that our country will get rid of the disease soon.

But we should not relax and sit calmly, laying all our hopes on the work, conducted by the state structures and respective organizations. As citizens, we must also join the measures and fulfill our obligations. The press must take broader action to raise awareness. We need to know that panic and fear won't help. On the contrary, they will weaken our immunity. Therefore, we should act in high spirits and take all necessary steps, be it nutrition or rule of hygiene. People need to know that they will secure themselves from the virus if they follow all preventive measures.

- Kindergartens and schools are closed, kids are at home, and they are not allowed to go outside. How should parents spend the day with their children at home in such circumstances?

In some online groups, I talk to parents and study their problems and difficulties. Some were dismayed. They don't know how to behave with their kids. They could easily plan holidays before. They took children to the theaters, cinemas, and various entertainment centers. But now everything is out of reach. Therefore, parents do not know what to do at home.

The answer to the question is simple: apply a daily routine. Of course, children do not need to get up as early as they do at school time, but they should also not sleep long.

These 'holidays' also have their benefits. It is an excellent opportunity to spend time with family. Family members can have breakfast together, and children can play with their parents. If adults can spend time with their kids effectively, the emotional bonds between them will further strengthen, and they will get to know each other better.

Children's leisure time can be arranged effectively, except for phones and watching TV. Though it is impossible to distance kids from gadgets entirely, there are online classes for pupils, which they can watch.

By the way, I want to say that this is a positive step. Children of preschool age can use gadgets from 10 minutes to half an hour, elementary graders for one hour, teenagers for two hours with intervals. For pupils not to lag behind in their classes, family time should include a separate 'study hour.' During this hour, every parent should either read a book or do scientific work. In such a case, kids cannot protest, since the rule will apply to all family members.

- How should families arrange and apply daily program?

Every family has a program. There is no common prescription for all. It depends on what a family can afford, whether they live in a district or a city, in a private house or a building, and a socioeconomic state. Each family will choose the program that meets their interests. They do not need a specialist's assistance, except for cases of children with behavioral disorders. Moreover, people of all age groups can experience specific worries, fears, and panic. In this case, they get online support. People with psychological disorders cannot have high immunity. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce fear and panic to a minimum. Families can watch films, brain games, or read books together. They can also experiment. All kids love experiments very much.

Adults should not speak much about the difficult situation in the children's presence. But they should also not ignore children's questions. Kids can ask why they can't leave home. And parents should explain in a clear way that people get sick more often now. Therefore, they should not go outside.

- What are the key psychological factors that should be followed during epidemics and pandemics?

Stay calm and do not panic. Be sure that you follow the right measures. The same happens to everyone around the world. People flock to supermarkets, but, as the official structures say, the country has enough food stocks. We do not see any shortage in supermarkets. It is not right to make decisions in a panic. I want to stress that some people disseminate false information, based on unreliable sources. Some take it seriously and believe it, thus leading to panic and rush. People should not believe any information, other than official news.

- Naturally, the families of those in quarantine are worried. Some problems are observed. What would you advise these people and their close ones?

I understand that this is a difficult moment. We should realize that this decision was taken for the safety of the family and the one kept in quarantine. And this is the right decision. Naturally, people miss their close ones, but it is all temporary. Two weeks will go by fast. Most important is that they do not test positive for the virus. It is necessary to stay calm and respect the decision.