SELF ISOLATION DEALING WITH CABIN FEVER One in five workers – around six million people – could be forced to stay home during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. As cases of Covid-19 rise in the UK, more people are being encouraged to self-isolate in an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus, which so far has proven a particular risk to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. It’s up to us as a nation to stop this virus in its tracks by avoiding unnecessary travel, washing our hands and social distancing. The secondhand effects of this can result in ‘Cabin Fever’.
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nless you’ve been living outside civilization for the past few months, you will be well aware that we are currently at the forefront of a worldwide pandemic. A global health crisis known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, which has inforced worry and anxiety through the world’s population. Seven days? Fourteen days? Most of us may find the idea of being stuck inside the house for a long time extremely daunting and nervewracking. Although it is important to “flatten the curve” of daily cases that put pressure on our health care system, it could lead to a lesser evil: boredom and stir craziness known as ‘Cabin Fever’.
For a lot of us, 2 weeks off could seem an absolute dream! Time to binge-watch your favourite series on Netflix, put your feet up for some much needed chill time with a whole load of comfort food! But for those living alone, the elderly, people with underlying health problems or with mental health issues this will be a major struggle. It is so important to reduce anxiety by keeping your both your body and mind active!
If you’re not already in self-isolation, the chances are that you will within the next few weeks. Here at OM, we believe it’s so important to remain within our strong British mentality and ‘keep calm and carry on’. It’s important to follow the government’s guidelines in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
Nevertheless, during the darkest of times, we can experience the most beautiful acts of kindness. We are seeing the world pull together in unity during these uncertain times. One thing we know is you can’t quarantine music; you may have seen footage of Italy playing and singing from balconies in locked-down cities. Obtaining a positive attitude not only expresses strong resilience but highlights our empowering togetherness when in a crisis; even through the toughest times these small cities may have ever seen. If you have the News and Radio on almost 24/7, eagerly keeping up to date with all the latest facts and procedures informed by our Government, this may initially fuel your anxiety. But there are a few things which you could do at home to
keep spirits high and fill the days.
Self-isolation is a clear factor in order to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus indefinably; exhibited by China, where they have now closed their main Cronaviras hospital due to not having enough paitents to sustain it! However this can also spur on secondhand health problems. For some people who are in self- isolation this may trigger some mild mental health problems. Studies shown by people who have spent a winter in a polar research station have revealed that being in selfisolation for a long time have reported feeling anxious and/or depressed. With nearly 50% of them feeling extremely irritable and struggled with sleep and experiencing memory loss.
24 April 2020
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