Fear is considered a factor that can both create resistance in the body and give humans the ability to escape or pass through dangerous situations. However, when it comes to fear of coronavirus, he introduces it as a factor that “causes humans to take actions that ultimately lead to their death.” As an injury and social behavior specialist, he says that in the case of coronavirus, fear of it is not a death factor, but “not being afraid is the death factor here.”

The issue of fear of coronavirus and the psychological and behavioral effects of the situation that the disease has created in the country has caused many to consider this disease as a source of crisis that the Iranian society must deal with after this issue. The monthly magazine “Khat-e-Solh” has gone to Dr. Majid Abhari to ask him questions and get his explanations in this field, as well as to inquire about his experience in dealing with the effects of this disease on people’s mental health.

Dr. Abhari,

Mental peace increases the body’s defense against coronavirus. Do you agree with this statement? What should be done to maintain this mental peace in the current situation?

Peace of mind and nerves leads to the control of the system of reactions, meaning actions and responses. It also prevents the secretion of the hormone cortisol. This hormone is secreted in the human body during fear. Therefore, fear itself is a factor that can create both physical resistance and the ability for humans to escape or pass through dangerous situations. Peace of mind allows the body to be in a state of calm and the nervous system to make proper decisions. The secretions that are released in the human brain and nervous system during these times are similar to adrenaline, which can compel humans to take positive, logical and rational actions.

To maintain peace of mind, various exercises must be done. Firstly, the health and treatment instructions and guidelines issued by health and medical institutions must be strictly followed, both during and after quarantine. Secondly, it should be noted that maintaining peace of mind can be an effective aid to human health, both physical and mental. In order to reduce our fear of coronavirus, we must know

The problem of fear of coronavirus is a deadly agent. What can be done to reduce this fear? Should we not be afraid at all?

In the present era, where humans have access to oceans of knowledge, science, movies, music, and memories through virtual space and the internet, they can have the best guidelines at their disposal. Therefore, fear no longer has a meaning in this regard. Fear is only necessary to keep humans away from danger. They should avoid getting close to people who have been infected with coronavirus. They should practice social distancing and regularly wash their hands. This is because no disinfectant is as effective as hot water and soap. Some people even drink alcohol to disinfect their digestive or respiratory systems, which unfortunately has caused many people in our country to fall victim to this scientific ignorance. Therefore, fear of coronavirus is not the cause of death. Not being afraid is the cause of death. When humans have a reasonable level of fear of this disease, of those who are infected, and of activities that can lead to contamination, they will pass through this stage in good health.

In every family, there are individuals

Many citizens have been placed in quarantine. What effects can these conditions have on people’s mental health? What should be done to ensure quarantine conditions and mental well-being?

“Man becomes greedy for whatever is forbidden to him. In normal circumstances, we may stay at home for a few days without any discomfort or fatigue. But now that quarantine and mandatory stay at home have been introduced, some of us have become fearful, anxious, or stressed. This is because we think that staying at home is very difficult and challenging. We can label this staying at home as a threat and turn it into golden opportunities. We can catch up on our unfinished tasks, help our families with home decor, organize our bookshelves, read, write about past memories, come up with new games and play them with others. We can also share jokes and funny stories with others or collect different jokes and tell them to our family and friends to create a happy and pleasant environment.

In order for the quarantine environment to become normal for us and everyone else in this situation, we must first know that the majority of the world’s population in most countries are in similar conditions as us. Therefore,

What is the personal responsibility of someone living with recovered COVID-19 patients at home in improving their mental well-being? What actions should they take and what actions should they avoid?

Life with a recovered person from coronavirus in a household is both difficult and simple. It is difficult because their physical and mental well-being must be taken care of. We must be careful not to mention anything that reminds them of the past and triggers negative emotions. Additionally, we must create a happy and energetic environment for them. With comfort and preparation for their future career, education, and profession, we must help them navigate through these sensitive stages after recovery.

What is the duty of the government and decision-making authorities in reducing the impact of fear of coronavirus on the people?

The government should use visual and auditory media such as television and mass communication tools to bring joy and happiness to the community in order to reduce people’s fear and terror. Comedy and humorous films, as well as fun programs for children and teenagers, can change this atmosphere of anxiety and fear and turn it into a joyful and humorous environment. The government and decision-making authorities should comfort the people like a caring father, especially those who have lost their jobs or income. They should not allow them to be trapped in a state of depression and silence by providing financial and moral support and making them happy.

What is your opinion on the role of social networks and media in regards to the issue of fear of coronavirus and its psychological effects on people?

Social networks, which have been and continue to be one of the means of communication between people during quarantine and the time of Corona, have been able to effectively reduce the longing by establishing visual communication. Here, we must sincerely thank the managers and administrators of user accounts and useful channels on these networks. However, some individuals on these networks spread rumors and lies, causing an increase in fear and panic among people. It must be mentioned that without research and certainty about the truth or falsehood of a matter, it should not be spread. Because the main source of entertainment for many people during quarantine and closure is these virtual and social networks, which should guide people correctly with fundamental and scientific health instructions taken from experts and medical and health centers, not mislead them with false rumors. Like the claims about the use of violet oil or Nsara amber or similar things, which lead people astray and cause mental deviation.

What should be done about families who have lost loved ones due to the coronavirus? We read on social media that some members of these families are upset due to the lack of attention to this issue. Due to circumstances, some families are unable to mourn; are there necessary psychological measures to be taken? How should the situation be managed?

Although it is not possible to physically gather and offer condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, fortunately these social networks have provided the opportunity to virtually gather friends and hold online mourning ceremonies. Even showing the online funeral ceremony can provide comfort and alleviate the pain of the person who has lost their loved one. Because this world is temporary and we must all leave it one day. But we must also offer our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and relatives, saying, “My dear, thank God this life is not eternal and we must endure the hardships of life with resilience.” It is essential to invite mourning families and send scientific and psychological materials during quarantine to help them cope with their pain and difficulties. Even talking to them is important. Thank God for these means of communication and virtual space that allow us to talk to each other for hours without any cost. This is a great help to us to be able to talk to our relatives and friends who are far from Iran. And it is

Please kindly suggest what exercises and activities can be effective in improving the mental and emotional well-being of citizens during quarantine? What can citizens do at home to spend this period with better mental health?

As a behavior specialist, I recommend studying, yoga, or individual exercises to strengthen the body and mind during quarantine. It is also essential to engage in activities such as meditation, reading poetry, and watching funny and comedic movies.

To spend quarantine time, we must start practicing self-improvement techniques. For example, if we focus on an object, such as an apple, for one minute each day and add one minute to the previous day, it can be very effective and beneficial. I have given this technique to hundreds of my patients in my clinic in Tehran, and it has been very effective. Let’s start with one minute today and focus on a specific topic or word. Tomorrow, let’s add another minute to it. Let’s not allow other thoughts to enter our minds. Let’s stay focused on that word and think about it. Currently, I have reached about fifty-four minutes of continuous thinking without any breaks. I can either think about a topic or just stare at a point.

Thank you for the time you have given to the peace line.