Because people have no view or feel control, they experience a ‘learned helplessness’, says Evers. “As a result, they can become gloomy and despondent and, in the most severe cases, fall into depression. It is crucial to feel a little bit of control wherever you are. Being able to plan your future is an essential part of that.”
Major impact of measures
The professor therefore advises people to take matters into their own hands as much as possible, at least in their own lives. People tend to look at the negative and to be alert when danger threatens. According to Evers, it is important to counter this with something positive in times of crisis.
“Try to pay extra attention to your health, that gives a sense of control and helps a lot mentally and physically. Create daily routines with healthy things or a work schedule with a fixed rhythm. And take care of others”, advises Evers. “Unfortunately, we know that there are enough groups that really need help. And doing something for the other gives a very good feeling.”
What Evers also missed in the press conference is discussing the major impact that measures have on people. “Like young parents with children, the elderly in nursing homes, young people, entrepreneurs. You have to talk about that.”
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