Anxiety contagious

Dr. Ermine Belle, a retired consultant psychiatrist, is reminding members of the Small Business Association (SBA) that it is easy for anxiety to spread from one person to another.

Her comment came during a Members’ Information Webinar entitled “Coping with Mental Health During COVID” on Tuesday.

Dr. Belle said it important to reassure members that what is going on will pass. She added that people must stay positive as there are many lessons to be learned from the coronavirus.

“Change will happen and we have to learn how to adjust and adapt,” said Dr. Belle.

Admit to our fears

The former Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) psychiatrist said everyone must admit to their fears so they can address them.  Dr. Belle noted that people are concerned about getting sick due to being over 70 and having pre-existing conditions, the fear of losing a loved one or dealing with a lack of spirituality.

Seek help

For the retired psychiatrist, she encouraged people to seek help about their fears and how to deal with them.

“We need that support, we need to seek support in other areas,” said Dr.Belle.

The former mental health professional also emphasised the need for Barbadians to keep abreast of what is true and maintain some order in their lives. She explained having structure helps them to cope with the pandemic. Dr. Belle said that it is critical to help people so they can help themselves.

“We have to go on functioning, we have to go on living. We have got to learn new ways of doing things and dealing with this pandemic situation,” said Dr.Belle.