Up until two weeks ago many of us were finalizing our travel plans for March break. Then suddenly the news channels began bombarding us with Coronavirus news. The World Health Organization subsequently labeled COVID-19 known as a pandemic. Emotional responses included anxiety states and even panic attacks. With added information that people over 60 and those with other underlying health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus,  are more vulnerable has also contributed to the added anxiety being experienced.  To cope during these extremely distressful times, the World Health Organization has published several infographics on how to protect your mental health. One of these is especially dedicated to children.

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NePHJC: This page is meant to be a living resource for nephrologists during the COVID19 pandemic. http://www.nephjc.com/covid19

COVID-19 online-self-assessment: You can use this helpful online tool to check if you have symptoms related to Coronavirus. Please note that the helpline numbers given at the end of the assessment are only for the residents of Alberta. Please visit the official public health services department website of your province to get accurate information and helpline numbers: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx

How to stay calm and protect your mental health during coronavirus: The APPLE technique can help you deal with anxieties and worries: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/how-stay-calm-protect-your-3953902

Check the World Health Organization’s official website to get Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public. With social media, it sometimes becomes difficult to segregate facts from fake news and rumors: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public 

This useful guide covers topics like planning for staying at home or indoors, taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, and a checklist to see if are you ready to stay at home: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

YMCA Health and fitness videos, which you can do from the comfort of your home https://ymca360.org/on-demand#/

You can also go through Psychonephrology resources on how to build mental resilience, with the focus on mindfulness, good sleep, loneliness, mindfulness meditation, mindful yoga, and the benefits of journaling. There are also posts that discuss burnout in different healthcare professions like physicians, nurses, or caregivers. Technology plays an important role at a time when many of us are self-isolating.

We, at Psychonephrology, wish everyone good health and we hope that the situation will calm down sooner rather than later.

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