Right now, billions of people across the world are struggling to
comprehend and respond to the far-reaching ramifications of the
coronavirus. For the individual person, the challenges relate to
self-isolating, social distancing in public and managing pre-existing
symptoms (if any), all while learning new ways of living day to day.
Unfortunately, the need to self-regulate and re-think personal
habits in order to reduce the risk of contracting (or passing on) the
disease can have mental-health consequences.
To provide some clarity and guidance, we reached out to Dr Frank
Snoek who is a Professor of Medical Psychology and Head of the
Department of Medical Psychology at the Amsterdam University Medical
Center. In addition to being an expert in the psychology of diabetes,
Dr Snoek has an interest in e-health tools used for self-management of
chronic conditions.
Share
"It is important to acknowledge that our fears and concerns are
a normal response to an abnormal situation."
This is general disease awareness information and should not be
understood as medical advice. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19
or have questions, doubts or concerns, you should contact your doctor
and always follow the advice of local authorities.
Dr Snoek, we are witnessing many different reactions from
people as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Why do humans react the way
they do?
In a situation like the one we are facing now, you see different
responses and coping styles. Most if not all of us feel some degree of
uncertainty and are concerned about our health and that of others.
This helps us realise the seriousness of the situation and adhere to
the recommendations regarding social distancing and hand washing.
Personality and mental vulnerability, i.e. “resilience”, largely
determine how people cope with the stresses due to the coronavirus.
Some are more affected than others, physically and mentally, but also
economically. A minority of people are overly anxious and live in fear
to an extent that seriously limits their daily functioning. Some have
a poor understanding of the real threats and put other people’s lives
at stake by behaving irresponsibly.
You work primarily with people living with diabetes. Do you believe that
this situation will have a particular impact on the mental well-being of
people with diabetes? If so, what?
I believe people with diabetes can be specifically impacted. They
have been identified as extra vulnerable, which is to say they have a
high risk of becoming seriously ill when infected. It may also lead to
stigmatisation and unnecessary social isolation. Also, due to the
lockdown, people with diabetes may have worries about the availability
of diabetes medicines and technologies.
Share
"It helps to stick to what you know and follow your daily
routine as much as possible."
What approaches would you suggest for managing one’s anxiety
in this situation? What tips can you give to people living with
diabetes?
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that our fears and
concerns are a normal response to an abnormal situation. This is how
humans react to threat and isolation. Expressing your emotions and
sharing them with loved ones is helpful. Second, in times of
uncertainty, limited social interaction and enforced home-isolation,
it helps to stick to what you know and follow your daily routine as
much as possible. This provides structure and is something you can
exercise control over. Third, we should regulate our exposure to the
continuous stream of alarming messages – and sometimes misinformation
– about the spread of COVID-19, the number of deaths, etc. Such
information can lead to a state of hyperalertness and stress. Limiting
yourself to only checking the news 2-3 times per day can free up
mental “space” that you are better off filling with positive things
including matters that are under your control.
Share
"Reaching out to loved ones and supporting those who are alone
can be truly gratifying."
What are some ways that people can seek support during this time from
friends, colleagues and loved ones?
Social media and the telephone are of course immensely helpful. We
are fortunate to have the opportunity to stay in touch and virtually
support each other while keeping our physical distance. Incidentally,
reaching out to loved ones and supporting those who are alone can be
truly gratifying in a way that enhances general well-being as well as resilience.
Here, I present 5 tips to take you safely through life’s stressful and
anxious moments – and to help you feel more peaceful, confident and
happy as you live your life with diabetes.
The site you are entering is not the property of, nor managed by,
Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk assumes no responsibility for the content
of sites not managed by Novo Nordisk. Furthermore, Novo Nordisk is not
responsible for, nor does it have control over, the privacy policies
of these sites.