Behavioral Management during Covid-19 Pandemic

22-Jun-2020

Dr. Vikas Sharma
HOD
Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology
Amity University Gurugram

Behavioral Management during Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid–19 pandemic is associated with significant distress, fears, anxieties and depression. The impact may vary depending on many factors like age, personality, presence of other stressors, social support, socio-economic factors etc. From mental health perspective, the symptoms may range from general distress to anxiogenic or depressogenic manifestations. Moreover, the stress related to disease may lead to loss of individuals’ capacity in selection of adaptive coping responses. The resilience and adaptive coping are crucial for healthy functioning in times demanding social distancing and immune response. The behavioral self regulation with respect to staying indoors is required for the management of pandemic. Self control, future orientation, practice of good hygiene practices and focusing on long term shared goals can facilitate the ‘health promoting’ aspects linked to the disease. Human beings are essentially social; therefore the general response to threat may involve seeking social affiliations and support. Social Support increases resilience to stress. In case of Covid-19 however, the nature of problem and its management itself tend to weaken the social support system. Behaviors like spending quality time at home with family members and phone/video calls to friends are useful in enhancing social support. Structured activity scheduling based on pleasure and mastery are negatively related to depression and linked to enhanced quality of life. Further, engagement and goal directed activities are important for self esteem and positivity. Activities like practicing yoga or mindfulness, reading, writing, engagement in indoor games or activities, playing musical instrument etc can be performed in home setting. Healthy sleep patterns may also reduce the vulnerability towards Coronavirus. Stimulus control instructions, Sleep hygiene education and Relaxation therapy are useful to manage sleep difficulties. The behavioral management along with medical and other psychosocial interventions within the broader biopsychosocial paradigm is required for effective management of Covid-19 pandemic.