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Psychologist: control the controllables

Expert advice: Alison Daniels, president of the Bermuda Psychology Association. at the press conference yesterday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

A psychologist last night warned that the stress of the Covid-19 lockdown could take its toll on people under virtual house arrest.

Alison Daniels said people could fall prey to anxiety, sadness and feel unable to relax while the shelter-in-place regulations were in force, and that it may also cause problems with eating and sleeping.

Dr Daniels, the president of the Bermuda Psychology Association, added that the state-of-emergency regulations could also worsen “chronic disease or mental health conditions”.

Dr Daniels, who spoke at the Government’s Covid-19 update last night, advised people to “try focusing on the things that are in your control”.

She recommended getting out of bed and dressed, even if people were not headed to work, because the routine “mentally prepares us for the day ahead”.

Dr Daniels said people should try to get seven hours’ sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and “avoid using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to cope with stress”.

She said people should also look for “innovative ways” to keep in touch with family and friends online or by phone.

Dr Daniels added: “Talk about other things than the virus. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly, including on social media, can be upsetting.”

She also recommended the public should use reputable sources for their news.

She said: “There is so much fake news out there, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and worry.”

Dr Daniels added that children could be more vulnerable to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

She told parents: “Children may have a different response to Covid-19 than us.

“Be vigilant to any changes in your child’s behaviour.”

Dr Daniels said coronavirus stress could make children clingy, anxious, complain about butterflies in their stomachs, or make them wet the bed.

She told parents to let children talk about their feelings and to discuss the pandemic with them in language they could understand.

Dr Daniels added: “Maintain order in their lives as much as possible — all children find routines reassuring.”

She said that parents should limit children’s exposure to news and to make sure they also kept in touch with their friends online or by phone.

Dr Daniels warned: “Constantly reading or hearing about Covid-19 can have a negative impact on your child.”

She said people should “acknowledge whatever you’re feeling right now is OK”, but to ask for support if needed.

Dr Daniels added: “Reaching out for support shows strength.”

A mental health hotline is open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm at 543-1111. A child and adolescent Covid-19 hotline is available between 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday at 249-3370.