Rules for maintaining psychosocial health in quarantine

One of the problems of involuntary quarantine is a person's psychosocial state. In the case of COVID-19, it is important not only to observe personal hygiene, but also to make sure not to snap emotionally and, if possible, to help those people who need it.
Pavel Moiseev, head of the psychological service at SCSU, has prepared recommendations on how to behave during quarantine (and including during the transition to distance learning).


COVID-19 can affect people from many countries, in many geographic locations. Do not associate it with any ethnicity or nationality. Be sensitive to all those affected. People affected by COVID-19 have done nothing wrong, and they deserve our support and compassion.
Don't call infected people "victims," "COVID-19 families," or "contagious." They are "people who have COVID-19," "people who are being treated for COVID-19," "people who are recovering from COVID-19," and once recovered, their lives will continue in their workplaces and families. It is important to separate the person from the identity defined by COVID-19 to avoid stigma.
Minimize watching, reading, or listening to news that makes you anxious. Only get information from reliable sources to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are feeling anxious, we recommend setting several time points throughout the day where you check for news from reliable sources. Don't trust rumors - regularly collect information from the WHO (World Health Organization) website and local health authority platforms, this will help you distinguish facts from rumors. Facts will help minimize fears.
Protect yourself and support others. Helping others in times of need can benefit both the person receiving support and the helper. For example, ask on the phone how neighbors or people in your community are doing who may need extra help. Working together in the same community can help build solidarity for COVID-19.
If you live with children who have begun to fear COVID-19, help them find positive ways to express feelings, such as fear or sadness. Every child has a different way of expressing emotions. Sometimes engaging in creative activities, such as playing or drawing, can make this process easier. Children feel relieved if they can express and communicate their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. During times of stress and crisis, children usually seek more affection and are more demanding of their parents. Discuss COVID-19 with your children (or siblings) in the most honest and age-appropriate way possible. If your children are having problems, working together can alleviate their anxiety. Children will observe adults' behaviors and emotions to learn how to manage their emotions during a difficult time.
Older adults, especially those who are isolated and have cognitive impairment/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, agitated and agitated during the outbreak/being quarantined. Try to provide them with practical and emotional support. Share simple facts about what's going on, give clear information about how to reduce the risk of infection, in words seniors can understand. Repeat the information whenever necessary. Instructions should be given in a clear, concise, respectful, and patient manner. It may also be helpful to display information in writing or as pictures.
If you have a health problem, make sure you have access to any medications you are currently using. Activate your social contacts so that you can get help if needed.
Be prepared and know in advance where and how to get medical care if you need it. Make sure you have a two-week supply of medications you may need.
Practice daily exercise to do at home, in quarantine, or in isolation to keep you physically active.
Stay connected and maintain your social media. If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain an outbreak, you can stay in touch through email, social media, video conferencing and telephone.