The covid-19 pandemic is taking a toll on our health. And not just our physical health, but our social and mental health as well. Many people are currently struggling with job loss, uncertainty, grief, and fear. The question is, can anything be done to improve the situation?
Your personality affects how you respond to or cope with the pandemic. Personality has an effect on how we fare in crises or tough times such as the one we are facing now. Our personality is linked with our ability to tolerate distress and uncertainty. Knowing your personality type, including your strengths and weaknesses, is very important. This information can help you to developing effective coping mechanisms as the pandemic continues. If you are sure what your dominant personality traits are, there is no need to worry. You can learn more about your personality by taking an online test.
A number of psychological studies indicate that introversion is linked to anxiety disorders and depression. Extraversion is connected to developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Disinhibition and disagreeableness are linked to substance dependence. However, a study published in Psychological Bulletin journal claims that the personality trait that is most highly correlated with mental health problems is neuroticism. Researchers found that neuroticism is linked to anxiety disorders and depression.
However, there are personality traits that contribute to good mental health. For example, people who are agreeable are less likely to develop a psychiatric disorder. Similarly, conscientiousness, which is characterized by dependability and diligence, is also tied to having a lower risk for mental illness.
If you are aware of what your dominant personality traits are, you are more likely to avoid triggers that increase your stress and anxiety and focus more on your strengths. For example, if you know that reading the news online and staying on social media are raising your anxiety levels, you may benefit from taking a break from such activities.
It is also very importantly to realize that you are not alone in this. Many people around the world are feeling the stress of the pandemic. So don’t be too surprised if there are days when your mood and your energy levels are low. You are only human. Take one step at a time. You’ll get by.
