Greetings to the wonderful people of Rivers State, and welcome to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that we are personally responsible for our individual health and wellbeing during this pandemic. Our topic today is on the role of Family in Curbing the COVID-19 and Maintaining a Balanced Mental Health at this Time. .
COVID-19 – an infectious disease caused by the Coronavirus – has dominated the headlines since its emergence in December 2019. Since then, it has spread globally and resulted in a pandemic that not only has impacted the global economy and our day-to-day lives, but also for some of us, our mental health. While staying up to date and informed about the coronavirus pandemic and the latest public health measures is important, it’s also essential to look after ourselves and those around us.
Looking after our mental health is imperative now during the COVID-19 outbreak – from finding ways to manage information we’re receiving from news and social media, to staying connected with friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.
To the individual, please take care of yourself at this time. Try and use helpful coping strategies such as ensuring sufficient rest and respite during work, eat sufficient and healthy food, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends. Avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. In the long term, these can worsen your mental and physical well-being. Stay connected and maintain your social networks. If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay connected via telephone, e-mail, social media or video conference. During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected. Avoid listening to or following rumours that make you feel uncomfortable.
Help children find positive ways to express feelings such as fear and sadness. Every child has his or her own way of expressing emotions. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity, such as playing or drawing can facilitate this process. Children feel relieved if they can express and communicate their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Thus, my key message to everyone in all situations is to be kind to yourself and others, including family, friends and neighbours at this trying time. This too shall pass and we shall emerge on the other side better, stronger and wiser.
Our guest speaker today is Mr. Patrick Uduma, a business expert and Consultant in Port Harcourt. Let’s enjoy the episode as he expounds on the subject.
Our lovely Rivers people, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.