Stress worsens the functioning of the immune system, and anxiety can aggravate the course of the disease, doctors are sure. But will a positive mindset help deal with the coronavirus faster and more effectively? Or maybe even protect against infection? We deal with experts.
Many people find it difficult to cope with their emotions after learning that they are sick with COVID-19. However, succumbing to fear in this case is not the best option.
“Studies show that psychological stress can regulate the cellular immune response by disrupting the relationship between nerve cells, endocrine organs and lymphocytes,” notes psychotherapist and psychiatrist Irina Belousova. — In simple terms: working with your own emotions allows you to influence the immune system. So, positive thinking can really reduce a person’s susceptibility to infectious diseases.”
Positive thinking is a meaningful understanding of reality. The tool that allows you to create a suitable atmosphere for healing, look at the current situation from a different angle and reduce anxiety.
You need to understand: positive thinking does not involve constant affirmations and a persistent feeling of euphoria.
“On the contrary, it is rather an acceptance of what is, the absence of a struggle with reality,” explains Irina Belousova. Therefore, it is naive to think that the power of thought will completely protect you from the coronavirus.
“Infectious diseases are still not psychosomatics. Whatever you think a person, if he gets into a tuberculosis barracks, he will most likely get tuberculosis. And no matter how cheerful and positive he is, if he does not defend himself during sex, he risks getting a venereal disease, ”emphasizes therapist and psychiatrist Gurgen Khachaturyan.
“Another thing is that if you still get sick, you need to accept it. Illness is a fact, and we ourselves decide how to treat it,” Belousova adds. “As strange as it may sound, we can see its benefits.”
We get used to ignoring the signals of our body. We move a little, breathe shallowly, forget to eat and sleep somehow
Coronavirus, in turn, sets a new rhythm: you have to listen to your body. “Add to this the isolation that happens to you for at least two weeks, and prepare a wonderful “cocktail” for transformation and growth. You got a chance to rethink your present, learn to ask for help — or finally do nothing, in the end, ”the specialist emphasizes.
However, if the emotional background is reduced, we may encounter the opposite attitude: «No one will help me.» Then the quality of life decreases. The brain has nowhere to take dopamine (it is also called the “hormone of happiness”), and as a result, the course of the disease is complicated.
In such a situation, according to Irina Belousova, the following methods will help restore control over the situation:
- Švietimas. Emotion control never comes at the snap of a finger. But even if you just learn to recognize the shades of your feelings and name them, this will already allow you to adjust your own reactions to stress.
- Relaxation trainings. Relaxation in the body, which is achieved during the exercises, will help to cope with mental stress. The body sends a signal: «Relax, everything is fine.» Fear and anxiety go away.
- Kognityvinė-elgesio terapija. This type of psychotherapy will quickly change stereotypes of thinking and behavior.
- Psichodinaminė terapija will allow you to look deep into the problem and reconfigure the psyche so that it quickly adapts to the challenges of the external environment.
If you are already sick and panic is covering you with your head, you should accept it, give it a place.
“Fear is an emotion that tells us about a perceived or apparent threat. This emotion is usually due to past negative experiences. To put it bluntly: when we were little, mom didn’t tell us how to deal with how we feel. But it is in our power to change this type of thinking. When fear is named, it ceases to be a «granny under the bed» and becomes a phenomenon. This means that it is in your power to control what is happening, ”reminds Irina Belousova.
Gurgen Khachaturyan emphasizes that one should not fall for the frightening and inaccurate information that the coronavirus is fatal in most cases. “We must not forget that coronavirus is nothing new, it can be cured. But the negative format of thinking can just prevent you from seeking medical help in time. Because a depressive state will form, cognitive abilities will decrease, will paralysis will appear. Therefore, if you get sick, just immediately consult a doctor.
In general, I don’t really like the “don’t be afraid” recommendation, because you can’t really work on an irrational feeling with any advice. Therefore, do not fight with fear — let it be. Fight disease. Then you can deal with it really effectively.”