Understanding the Science of Stress

Implications for Mental and Social Health in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

COVID-19 is a communicable disease caused by infection with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first reported in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. The disease has claimed millions of lives spreading worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. Worries and anxiety about COVID-19 and its impact can be overwhelming. The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how people live and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation. People worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation made matters worse during the peak of the Covid-19 which makes people feel out of control and make it unclear what to do leading to stress. Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Everyone reacts differently to difficult situations, and it is normal to feel stress and worry during a crisis. But multiple challenges daily, such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, can push one beyond one’s ability to cope. Many people may have mental health concerns, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression during this time and feelings may change over time. This article examines in detail the science of stress, and how one can cope with feeling of stress especially during this Covid-19 era. It is recommended that one continues with the self-care practices in the recommendation section to take care of one’s mental health and increase one’s ability to cope with life’s ongoing challenges even after Covid-19 era.