Managing Panic During A Pandemic

RK had a history of Panic Disorder but was in recovery for the last 3 years. He was performing to his optimum at work and family life was good too.

- Dr Philip George

Suddenly, with the coronavirus outbreak and the Movement Control Order (MCO), he started to experience claustrophobic symptoms. Although in his mind he knows it’s important to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, he felt trapped and the panic symptoms resurfaced. He had palpitations, tremors, breathlessness and felt he was going to die or collapse. He feared seeking medical help, worried that he would risk exposure to the virus.

As the number of Covid-19 cases increase, so does the associated anxieties. For the general public, addressing the mental health effects due to the pandemic are as important as the physical health effects.

And, for the 20 percent who have existing mental health conditions, we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures to address them. If you’re not sure how to handle the barrage of news, panic, and fear about the coronavirus—you’re not alone.

Do we panic? Or do we not? When every other headline is telling you to act differently, it can be hard to organise your thoughts and manage your anxiety in the face of global apprehension.

Here are steps to manage panic: