HOW TO COPE DURING A PANDEMIC

A Thoughtful Message From:

Yours Truly

Mrs. Elahie-Mirza

Guidance Counsellor

ASJA Boys’ College

San Fernando

WHAT IS A PANDEMIC?

While there is no single definition agreed upon, the World Health Organization says that

"A pandemic is basically a global epidemic -- an epidemic that spreads to more than one continent,“

This can be interpreted to mean that a pandemic occurs when an infectious disease spreads globally at the same time.

As such, the CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19, is a pandemic because it has infected millions world wide between December 2019 to date.

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A PANDEMIC?

1. Listen to CREDIBLE news sources for information about how the pandemic is affecting your country.

2. Keep a stash of ESSENTIAL groceries and toiletries in your home to last approximately two weeks. DO NOT HOARD THINGS YOU MAY NOT USE.

3. Refill your medication if necessary.

4. Formulate a plan of action in case you become infected.

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

HOW DOES A PANDEMIC AFFECT YOU?

Because the CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19 is a new strain of the disease, very little is known about it. This is why the government has ordered a nation wide lockdown. The good health and safety of the citizens of this country are of utmost importance.

What does this mean for you the student?

1. School will be closed for an uncertain time

2. Examinations at the CSEC and CAPE levels have been postponed

3. Online teaching will take the place of traditional classroom teaching

4. The school year will be adjusted so that the lost time is made up for

5. Family gatherings and outings are prohibited

6. Public social activities are now prohibited

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LIFE…

The Ministry of Health, in accordance with the advice from the World Health Organization, has outlined what life as the ‘new normal’ will be after the pandemic is over.

Some of the ‘new normal’ activities will include:

1. Wearing face masks and other protective gear while going out in public

2. Practicing proper and thorough hygiene before and after all activities

3. Clean and disinfect all surfaces often

4. Maintaining social distancing

These activities will now be a part of your DAILY ROUTINE.

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE EXPERIENCE SUDDEN AND DRASTIC CHANGES?

We may experience one or more of the following. Also note that the intensity of these feelings may vary.

Anxiety Panic attacks Stress

Discomfort

Frustration

Insomnia (inability to sleep)

Worry about coping with these changes

Anger

Feeling a sense of confusion or loss of control

Reminiscing or thinking back on the past

Fear for our health Uncontrolled sadness

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

1. See the change as positive – these changes will lead to a safer and healthier country for us.

2. Prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed - take breaks from watching news about the pandemic.

3. Practice self care – eat healthily, exercise, get sufficient rest, spend time alone to reflect positively or to unwind.

4. Refine your life’s goals – set your goals and plan steps to achieve them.

5. Express yourself – try to do so by talking, drawing, writing, singing, dancing or making videos.

6. Develop new skills – cooking has been trending lol.

7. Maintain a healthy social life – keep in contact with family and friends through social media.

8. Build your relationship with your family members – spend quality time with your family, get to know them and let them get to know you.

9. Reach out - talk to someone about what’s bothering you. Find me on IG @ umm_musa.ahmad

10. PRAY! – this is your time to get closer to God, build your spirituality while you have the time.

Press https://youtu.be/9YHu8_82EcY to play! Increase volume!

Enjoy!

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

https://youtu.be/9YHu8_82EcY

1. What are the four activities that will become part of your ‘new normal’ life?

2. From slide 6, identity which of the emotions you are feeling and rate its intensity on a scale of 1-10. (1 being mild and 10 being intense).

3. Which of the coping skills are you willing to try?

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)

I Hope That This Presentation Was Beneficial To You!

M. Elahie-Mirza (2020)