(United Nations COVID-19 Response: Unsplash)

This article was exclusively written forThe European Sting by Ms. Samah Khierbeik, a newly three-month graduated medical student at Tishreen University in Syria. She is affiliated to the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSAs view on the topic, nor The European Stings one.

Infectious disease outbreaks can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times. And as the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and dominate the headlines and public concern, its normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions.

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make us, the people we care about, and our community stronger. So, how can we be positive influencers on ourselves, family, friends and community?

When many things feel uncertain or out of our control, one of the most effective ways we can manage stress and anxiety is to focus on the actions that are in our control. Here are some ways we can take intentional steps to look after our physical and emotional wellbeing during this challenging time:

During this time of change, its natural for our minds to think of all the usual activities we may not be able to do at the moment. Make a conscious shift to focus on the activities we are still able to do, or those that we may have more opportunity to do if were at home more often.

What is happening now is out of our desire but we have the key to make it a great life-changing experienc.

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About the author

Samah Khierbeik is a newly three-month graduated medical student at Tishreen University in Syria. She is a member in many medical and scientific teams and organizations. As a member of the MED Research Team, she helps to enroll medical students in scientific researches and case reports by making workshops and participation in local and international conferences which one was lately held in Oxford. They have published many researches in international Journals. Also, as a member in Syrian Researchers Organization, they have an objective of raising both scientific and academic awareness and to share knowledge through all readable, audible and visual means. Nowadays, she is working in CRCTU (Cancer Research Centre-Tishreen University) in the department in Tishreen Hospital in Lattakia as a research assistant. She highly believes in the role of youth medical students to improve the academic andeducational reality, as well being in touch with all local and international events, like what we are living today in the time of COVID-19, to be active members in spreading knowledge and awareness in their communities.

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Outbreaks and pandemics periods can be stressful, but how can we turn it to a positive life-changing experience? - The European Sting