MENTAL HEALTH CARE STRATEGIES.

We spent uncertain times in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is common to feel a mixture of conflicting emotions within us. One of the most common is fear, we are experiencing an abnormal moment in everyone, so it is not covered so much. Instead, try to embrace that mix of emotions that you feel, realize that despite the uncertainties you have been managing the best you can.

LET'S SEE SOME CARE SUGGESTIONS WE CAN PRACTICE IN THIS PERIOD:

• Recognize and accept your fears and fears, looking for trusted people to talk to;

• Resuming care strategies and tools that you have used in times of crisis or suffering and actions that have brought a feeling of greater emotional stability;

• Invest in exercises and actions that help to reduce the level of acute stress (meditation, reading, breathing exercises, among other mechanisms that help to situate thinking in the present moment, as well as stimulate the resumption of experiences and skills used in difficult times the past to manage emotions during the epidemic);

• If you are working during the epidemic, be aware of your basic needs, ensure systematic breaks during work (if possible in a calm and relaxing place) and between shifts. Avoid isolation with your social-affective network, maintaining contact, even if virtual;

• If you are stigmatized for fear of contagion, understand that it is not personal, but is the result of fear and stress caused by the pandemic, look for co-workers and supervisors who can share the same difficulties, seeking shared solutions;

• Invest and encourage shared care actions, evoking the feeling of social belonging (such as solidarity and family and community care actions)

• Reframing life plans and strategies, in order to continue producing plans adapted to the conditions associated with the pandemic;

• Keep the socio-affective network active, establishing contact, even if virtual, with family, friends and colleagues;

• Avoid using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs to deal with emotions;

• Search for a health professional when the strategies used are not being sufficient for their emotional stabilization;

• Search for reliable sources of information such as the World Health Organization website;

• Reduce the time you spend watching or listening to media coverage;

• Share care and solidarity actions and strategies in order to increase the feeling of belonging and social comfort;

• Stimulate a spirit of solidarity and encourage community participation, even if online.