Cope With Pandemic Fatigue

Coronavirus Fatigue vs Pandemic Fatigue

With or without a COVID-19 diagnosis, your sleep may not be rejuvenating, you have cognitive dysfunction, and little strength to accomplish physical tasks.

Qualify Fatigue

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There are two aspects of fatigue relating to the coronavirus. Some recovering COVID-19 patients experience myalgic encepha­lomye­litis. This debilitating illness is also called chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS. [1,2] Dr. Fauci labels it Post-Viral Syndrome. [3]

Sleep is not reju­venat­ing, you have cognitive dysfunction and little strength for physical tasks. Researchers are investigating the correlation between COVID-19 and ME/CFS to validate coronavirus fatigue. [4,5]

Pandemic Fatigue

Another condition can affect you even if you are not exposed to COVID-19. It is the mental fatigue of reading about, worrying about, and protecting yourself from coronavirus—pandemic fatigue. [6] Pandemic news includes over­stimulat­ing reports on the following topics:

  • Face mask wearing
  • Shelter in place
  • Business closures
  • Teleconferencing
  • Debilitating symptoms
  • Sky-rocketing statistics

The hallmark sign of pandemic fatigue is a sense of inner weariness. [6] You may also feel:

  • Helpless
  • Sad
  • Worried
  • Frustrated
  • Irritable

Pandemic fatigue

It is like someone locking the door behind you and a group of strangers after entering a theater to watch a horror movie. This horror video lasts not 90 minutes but continues with no end in sight. After six months, some peculiar behaviors and personality changes are evident.

Once meek and demure looking people are hoarding supplies, commandeering the snack stand and becoming vocal about personal rights. The assertive ones form groups to breech the front door of the building, denying the fact that a worse fate is outside. [6–8]

To cope with pandemic fatigue, you may need to take care of your body with proper nutrition and hygiene. Limit your news intake, and lower stress through relaxation techniques and exercise. [6,8–10] Even if you live alone, you can call friends on the phone or join online support groups. [10,11]

Are you snapping at others with little provocation? Combat fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and loneliness by reaching out to others. Help the ones you love or let them help you.

Mental Health Crisis

In addition to causing mental health problems, the pandemic is exacerbating existing conditions. There is a backlog of appointments that telemedicine is not resolving. New patients and people who regularly see a therapist can wait eight weeks or longer. Various outreach programs and out-of-network health services attempt to fill the gaps. [11,12]

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To support the writing of useful articles about this topic, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about this topic. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.

You can support the writing of useful articles about this topic by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation.

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