Coronavirus has plunged the world into uncertainty and the constant news about the pandemic can feel relentless. All of this is taking its toll on people’s mental health, particularly those already living with conditions like anxiety and OCD. So how can we protect our mental health?

The coronavirus pandemic has not just threatened the physical health of millions but also wreaked havoc on the emotional and mental well-being of people around the world. Feelings of anxiety, helplessness and grief are rising as people face an increasingly uncertain future — and nearly everyone has been touched by loss. A nationally representative poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that nearly half of all Americans — 45 percent — feel that the coronavirus has negatively affected their mental health.

Sheds light on how people can protect their mental health during the pandemic — and it upends some common ideas our culture carries about trauma and well-being. When researchers and clinicians look at who copes well in crisis and even grows through it, it’s not those who focus on pursuing happiness to feel better; it’s those who cultivate an attitude of tragic optimism.

When the World Health Organization released advice on protecting your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak, it was broadly welcomed.Being concerned about the news is understandable, but for many people it can make existing mental health problems worse.the fear of being out of control and unable to tolerate uncertainty are common characteristics of many anxiety disorders. So it’s understandable that many individuals with pre-existing anxiety are facing challenges at the moment.So how can we protect our mental health?

Limited news and be careful about your reading.

• Limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which aren’t making you feel better. Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news.
• There is a lot of misinformation swirling around – stay informed by sticking to trusted sources of information such as government and NHS websites.

Maintain distance from social media and avoid Provocative news.

• Mute key words which might be triggering on Twitter and unfollow or mute accounts.
• Mute WhatsApp groups and hide Facebook posts and feeds if you find them too overwhelming.