Raise your hand if you can’t wait for this pandemic to be over. *raises both hands and feet*

We can totally relate. We miss the times when you can go out whenever you want and not worry of getting infected, we miss hanging out with our friends and family, we miss samgyupsal, heck we even miss the EDSA traffic. But as we all know, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so we practice social distancing and stay at home.

But, staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean staying safe. Other factors can affect your overall health while staying at home. So here’s what you can do:

STAYING SAFE AT HOME

Because of the quarantine, most of us are stuck at home. Our home should be our haven. It should be the place where we feel the safest. Studies show that during times of crisis, women and children are at greater risk of abuse and violence.

If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at your own home or are experiencing violence and abuse, remember that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Click here for a list of contacts where you can report.

STAYING SAFE ONLINE

The internet has become our world ever since quarantine has been implemented. We use it for work, to hear the latest news, to stay connected with other people, to shop for essentials and to unwind. We can literally use the internet for anything. But, the internet is not just rainbows and butterflies. It’s also filled with fake news, cyberbullying, hackers and identity theft.

So to keep you protected from the online world make sure to, (1) READ and THINK, read and think first before you share something, you click something, before giving any information, (2) protect your data, you can do this by using VPNs, encrypted instant messaging apps, and keep your searches private by using privacy-centric web browsers, and lastly (3) be mindful of what you post and comment. This pandemic has been difficult for everyone, be careful of what you say to other people through posts and comments and try to be sensitive to what others might be feeling.

SELF-CARE

Another thing that this pandemic and the implementation of quarantine has greatly affected is our mental health. Self-care is also part of your overall health and well-being. Some of the things we can do for self-care are, getting some exercise, detoxing from the news and social media from time to time and of course, keeping in touch with other loved ones. Humans need connection. Although we can’t see each other physically, it’s important for us to stay connected with our friends and loved ones.

If you think that what you’re feeling is no longer just quarantine blues or if you’re experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression, or you’re thinking of harming yourself or others, do not hesitate, seek professional help. For a list of free counseling hotlines, online therapist and spiritual therapist, click here.

Share your quarantine experiences with us and let us know how you are coping at #MayKwentoAko. Share them you might just help and inspire someone today!

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If you need to locate an Adolescent-Friendly Health Facility near you, you can use our HEALTH FACILITY LOCATOR. Simply input your location, then select “Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities”  and click on the search button. The results will show the Level III Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities within a 10 kilometer radius from your location. If you need to see a Women and Children Protection Unit, then select “Women and Children Protection Unit” and click on the search button. The results will show the facilities with WPCU within a 10 kilometer radius from your location.