CMO provides recommendations for mental health during social isolation periods

Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 4, 2020 (ZIZ News): Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws provided advice on how to protect one’s mental health during this pandemic while presenting at a special edition of the NEOC’s COVID-19 Daily Briefing on Sunday.

She said the current reality of quarantines, isolation and periods of 24-hour curfews can be challenging for some persons and can bring about changes in mood.

“Such periods of social isolation can be challenging and characterized by fear and anxiety. Some persons feel uneasy and worry about not having enough food, not having enough to do in free time, some worry about the dip in mood.”

To assist persons dealing with these mood changes, Dr. Laws recommended that they try to maintain their regular routine.

“ Do not stay up later than usual, do not sleep in wake up at your usual time, shower and breakfast as per usual, be careful and write out a plan for your day. Structure your day predetermine meal time, reading time, social media time, exercise time and time for your chores.”

She also advised persons to use social media to reach out to the more vulnerable persons in their social circle as this is known to be good for boosting someone’s mood.

The CMO added that persons are “to be intentional about how to structure their time as structure and variation help to maintain stability and stimulation which are important for one’s emotional wellbeing”.