Is your parents covid anxiety getting worse? These 4 effective tips can help

If you have senior citizen parents, it might be harder for them to navigate the pandemic more than others. Here’s what you can do if they are suffering from covid anxiety.

Here’s how you can help your parents deal with the pandemic. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Written by: Geetika Sachdev

Published On: 2 Nov 2020, 06:39 pm IST

Covid-19 has shaken up our lives in more ways than one. Never could we have imagined being cooped up in our homes for months on end to stay safe from a deadly virus. In the last few months, everything has changed—whether it is the way we live, learn and work, and this has really taken a toll on our mental health and well-being.

If you live with senior citizen parents, you know how this pandemic has been particularly hard for them. For one, they are at high risk of contracting the infection because of their age. And in case they suffer from underlying conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or even osteoporosis, the risk increases by leaps and bounds.

That’s why it is important to reassure them that they are not alone, and these tough times will eventually pass. Sometimes, it can get really difficult, but during this time they need more attention and care than they have ever needed. So, have some patience, don’t lose your cool and help them deal with this pandemic through your support.

Without further ado, let’s discuss a few tips on how you can help your parents navigate their anxiety during these times:

1. Give them the right information

When it comes to information about coronavirus, there is an overload today. One doesn’t even know if the news that’s circulating around is real or fake, and that’s the biggest problem. And since most of our parents spend a lot of time on Whatsapp, they end up believing all the forwards that are being passed on from one group to another.

It is time to comfort our parents and reduce their coronavirus anxiety. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Also, read: More anxiety and less sleep: These were the effects of the covid-19 lockdown, says a study

Sit down and help them with sources that do not spread wrong information. But remember one thing, the information must help them make informed choices, and not make them negative.

2. Push them to take a break from social media

Without even realising it, we spend too much time aimlessly scrolling on social media, and absorb all kinds of information. And more often than not, we come across the same posts on various pages. Unfortunately, this information triggers fear and uncertainty, and that’s not good at all!

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3. Encourage self-care

Since your parents’ mental health is at stake, it is important to educate them about the importance of self-care. Spending time at home need not be boring at all—how about giving them a nice relaxing head massage, or playing a game of ludo with them? If they are unwilling to spend time by themselves, involve them in fun activities where you engage with each other as a family. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?

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4. Help them make a routine

It can get a little too overwhelming, especially when things are all over the place, and your parents don’t have a structure or a routine. Help them make a schedule, encourage them to exercise a little (even if it’s at home), and practice medication. In no time will they feel more in control of themselves.

Remember, these are hard times, but we are all in this together!

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About The Author

Geetika Sachdev

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town.