SINGAPORE – Independent Sng Ler Jun has taken on more writing tasks since March to earn additional money for him and his family.
As a result, the 24-year-old, who graduated from the University of Buffalo with a specialization in communication from the Singapore Institute of Management, said he felt “forced to paint harder. “
However, he feels “in the face of uncertainty” because he knows when the economy will improve. “It’s demoralizing to think about it and I feel exhausted. “
Therefore, his temperament and power were low and he no longer likes the walks he did in the neighborhood.
Dr. Annabelle Chow, senior clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, said the exhaustion reported by a user as a result of the effects through Covid-19 is a sign of pandemic fatigue.
“Pandemic fatigue describes an intellectual state in which a prolonged and superior state of concern and caution leads to a form of exhaustion. Although not classified as an intellectual disorder, the effects of pandemic fatigue are genuine and have an effect on those who revel in it,” he said.
Signs come with reduced socialization with others; feeling restless, sad, helpless, unmotivated and frustrated; Be irritable and susceptible and have bad temper, power and insomnia.
Long-term concerns about a pandemic can affect intellectual and emotional fitness and can lead to worsening intellectual fitness problems and chronic fitness problems.
Terri Chen, senior clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH), said other people will most likely start reveling in those effects in April when the circuit breaker spread.
Restrictions were a “radical change” in people’s routines and lifestyles.
“Everyone had to adapt in a short time and many others accepted those restrictions because they think it’s a short-term measure to fight the virus,” said Chen, NUH’s head of psychology.
“But when the circuit breaker finished and the next announcements related to stages one and two were made, it was difficult for others to keep up, and even more so without a transparent finish in sight.
Dr. Chow said older people, children, caregivers, frontline workers, those who live or are socially isolated, and those who are already suffering from depression and anxiety have a greater threat of pandemic fatigue.
Working adults have also been greatly affected. Geraldine Tan, principal director and psychologist at The Therapy Room, began noticing symptoms of pandemic fatigue in her clients last month.
“Labour market uncertainty and the crisis of closure are cutting them off. The breaks they used to take now are non-existent and the paintings they make have taken a radical replacement for some, especially if they paint from home,” he said. .
“Every day it becomes more routine and worldly. People in Singapore are very used to traveling and now we’re going to be imprisoned on our island.
For those who paint or examine at home, the common desire to be connected to video conferencing also contributes to fatigue.
Sng, who has been taking online courses since April, said she infrequently did not turn on her webcam classes.
“I feel that lack of physical presence makes me less responsible. I’ve put five kilograms of the circuit breaker and I don’t need other people to see me as a disaster at home. I’m also tired of hunting on my own face on the screen.
Ms. Chen of NUH said it takes a lot of power to pay attention to nonverbal communication, which is more difficult compared to videoconferences.
“Multiple people’s screens prevent the brain from processing and interpreting all the data at once. Watching your own face-to-face meetings can also be stressful,” he added.
One threat of pandemic fatigue is that other people can lower their guard against the virus.
According to a Sunday Times survey of 1,000 other people over the age of 16 or older, Singaporeans are beginning to tire of regulations to restrict the spread of coronavirus.
It showed that 44% of others are tired of following mandatory fitness measures, which involve having to wear a mask, registering with SafeEntry, restricting the duration of physical meetings with friends and family, and not being able to travel abroad.
Dr. Chow stated that the constant barrage of data and revisions on Covid-19 would possibly be desensitizing and that complacency would possibly arise.
“Repeated exposure to pandemic data will eventually decrease the initial emotions of anxiety and caution. As a result, we may begin to adopt behaviors that were first inhibited through anxiety responses, such as not complying with safe distance regulations or washing hands as before. “She said.
“This means that over time, especially if we or someone we know does not contract Covid-19, we will probably be less careful or less aware of precautions, because it would seem that there is less need for such degrees of vigilance. She said.
“While it’s general to let your guard down when we don’t see an end in sight, a reminder of the benefits of maintaining the precautions and consequences of not doing so would keep others watchful to fight the Covid-19,” Chen said. .
But musician Joe Chahal, 35, says he is “extremely tired” of even if he respects the measures.
“I have trouble breathing comfortably with a mask and I don’t need to leave my space because I have to wear it. There is also the hassle of having to register with SafeEntry. There are long queues just to enter a mall or shop on weekends. »
For this reason, he’s dating a little bit and now he doesn’t meet many of his friends.
Dr. Chow warned that social evasion and distance can make other people feel remote and lonely, and can create tension and anxiety.
Ms. Chen pleaded with other people to seek a psychologist if they suffer from persistent anxiety, depression or sadness for more than two weeks, which in turn affects their functionality and relationships.
While it is general to feel uneasy about the pandemic, it is vital that “we are not alone in our struggles,” he said.
“This is a marathon and not a short sprint, so other people have to manage their expectations and choose their speed to stay on their feet,” he added.
Terri Chen, Chief of Psychology and Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, some tips
BE AWARE: We can’t make adjustments if we’re not aware of what’s going on in us. When we’re busy, it’s simple for feelings and behaviors that are precautionary symptoms for us. Practice awareness to take care of your intellectual health. Take the time to register daily. It can be as short as a minute a day to practice and describe what you think and feel inside.
BE CREATIVE: Many of the tactics we recharge have been thwarted or affected by pandemic constraints; short tactics, for example, are no longer an option, nor are the giant gatherings that fuel our innate social needs.
Being artistic and open to new concepts and reports can help you cope in the meantime. For example, you can indirectly with your friends by organizing a “viewing night” of an exhibition and, in combination, compiling a fantastic list of long-term plans.
BE GENDER AND COMPASSION: There are many things that are under our control right now, that can make us angry and frustrated, which can lead to complaints directed at ourselves or others, which can worsen our mood.
Be kind to yourself or others through one act a day. Research has shown that this can help us feel happier and our immune formula and power levels.
BE PATIENCE: We don’t know when the coronavirus pandemic will end and it’s hard to be patient with protection restrictions indefinitely, to make room for emotions, because it’s logically thinking 100 percent of the time.
Try the “five, 4, 3, two, one” strategy to relax: look around and say them out loud when you realize it: five things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, two things you can feel, and one thing you can taste.
BE EFFECTIVE: There are many tips and suggestions on how to deal with the pandemic, such as practicing mindfulness or exercising, and it can be overwhelming – and exhausting – to review several things at once.
RELATED: Ask if you notice symptoms of pandemic fatigue.
Talking to a trusted person or professional, listening to what’s going on, and what you’re getting can help regulate feelings and lessen stress.
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