Many experts predict that Indonesia has started to enter the third wave of Covid-19. This condition is characterized by an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the past week. The increase in cases is driven by the rapid spread of a new variant of the coronavirus, the Omicron.
With positive cases of Covid-19 continuing to increase, it will certainly cause anxiety and panic in the community. This is a serious problem that must be identified and addressed immediately. Public education is needed to manage panic symptoms so that they can be controlled and minimize excessive panic. Therefore, the Psychosomatic and Palliative Division of the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (FMUI-RSCM, Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo) organized a Lay Symposium entitled “Panic Management Due to Covid-19 Variant Omicron with Telemedicine” on Friday (04/02).
Panic and anxiety can potentially lead to psychosomatic disorders. Psychosomatic disorders are physical (somatic) complaints that arise or are influenced by thoughts or emotions (psychological). Psychosomatic disorders are divided into two, namely psychic and somatic. Psychological disorders include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and acute and chronic fatigue. Psychic disorders will feel complaints such as headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations. Furthermore, these disorders can trigger the recurrence of somatic diseases such as ulcers, hypertension, heart attack and stroke. In fact, if stress occurs continuously, it can lead to death.
Dr. Hamzah Shatri, SpPD, K-Psi, M.Epid as a doctor from the psychosomatic and palliative division of FMUI-RSCM said that the Covid-19 pandemic omicron variant is associated with an increase in the occurrence of psychosomatic disorders. This disorder can occur in those who are infected with the virus as well as those who are not. Fear of infection, worry about stigma, pandemic experience, social isolation are some of the factors that can cause psychosomatic disorders during a pandemic.
Ignoring the psychosomatic problems caused by the pandemic can worsen the body’s condition. Therefore, this disorder needs to be treated immediately. There are several non-pharmacological treatment options for psychosomatic disorders, including supportive psychotherapy such as self-care, relaxation therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and exercise.
“Psychological problems are not a small problem. Psychological and social support is needed for the community, family, and individuals,” said Dr. Hamzah. In treatment, good cooperation between the patient, family, and health professionals is required for maximum results. He added that this symposium is a form of FMUI-RSCM support to the community in the form of education.
One of the efforts to deal with anxiety is to recognize the source of anxiety. In the third wave of Covid-19, one of the factors driving anxiety was the spread of the Omicron virus variant which was very fast exceeding the Delta variant in the previous wave. Thus, the division staff of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, FMUI-RSCM, dr. Robert Sinto, Sp.PD, KPTI., appealed to the public to vaccinate. Vaccines do not completely prevent infection, but they can prevent serious illness.
Meanwhile, Dr. Robert also urged the public to classify themselves and their symptoms. This classification is based on Covid-19 symptoms. Not all symptoms require a trip to the hospital. If people are identified as positive without symptoms, they should self-isolate at home for 10 days. People with moderate symptoms can be isolated in the hospital, while people with mild symptoms can be self-isolated at home for 10 days plus 3 days without symptoms. This was done due to the limited capacity of the hospital. The public can also consult with doctors through telemedicine such as the Ministry of Health website or other facilities. From this consultation, people can determine their classification.
To be able to do what Dr. Robert advised, the public must remain calm and not panic, Dr. Rudi Putranto, SpPD, K-Psi, MPH from the Psychosomatic and Palliative Division of the Department of Internal Medicine FMUI-RSCM gave input to manage anxiety without drugs. “Many things can be done independently. First, limit reading news on mobile phones. For example, opening your phone in the morning and evening, not continuously and not engaging in excessive worry,” said Dr. Rudi.
Second, focus on current opportunities and be productive. With this, we will be distracted from negative thoughts. Third, do not overreact to physical symptoms. Furthermore, be kind to yourself and others. If these tips don’t work, then seek professional help.
Author: Humairah | Editor: Maudisha AR
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