COVID 19 - Compression

I was setting out for my walk with my dog one morning recently. It was a bright, sunny day. I was feeling grateful that I was able to enjoy the Spring sunshine and thinking of all the people that have been lost in such a short time and of the people left behind who are grieving. As I reflected, a word came to me, “decompress.” I was surprised at this word and recognised it as a word that is mostly used in relation to deep sea diving. Divers have to decompress so their lungs can adjust to the pressure as they return to the surface. It has to be done slowly. To rise too quickly can potentially cause an aneurysm (blood clot). This has also been a contributory factor in some of the deaths from Covid-19.

On researching the symptoms of decompression, I was interested to see that they are very similar to that of Covid-19. Some of the symptoms include headaches, nausea and exhaustion in addition to breathing difficulties. Decompression sickness is treated with oxygen therapy as is Covid -19 

Maintaining proper hydration is said to be useful in preventing decompression sickness.

I then remembered that decompression is a term used in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD). The terms, “psychological” or “emotional” decompression are used with people recovering from PTSD. 

The term “decompression” was probably first used in a military context during the Vietnam conflict and is described as, “ a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity”; www.definitions.netApril 2020

Decompression therapyis currently widely used in the armed forces in order for personnel to transition from exercise and a return to normal life.  It is a “holding” programme to enable the emotional and psychological processing required for positive mental health and to prevent mental health issues from arising in the future.

In other words, it is a period of transition before moving forward in to the next phase of their life.

Back to Covid-19, where are we now?

WE are in a period of transition. The life as we knew it has gone. We are a part of a major historical event whether we like it or not. WE are suffering from “compression” with the pressure to do this, go there, buy the next thing.

WE are compressed as a species and right now, WE are in a “holding” place. Are WE going to rise to the surface slowly and healthily in the same way that divers have learned to do?  

WE have been slowed down. We are forced to face a horrific reality and many have experienced loss of a loved one as well as being critically ill themselves. We have been called to an abrupt halt and need to reboot, rethink, reprioritise and rebalance.

The Earth too, is in a “holding” place as we work through this unfamiliar territory. The effects are there for all to see with less traffic, less pollution and less consumerism. She seems to be healthier for being there.

How to decompress

The reaction to stress is well known as the “Fight or flight” syndrome, causing the heart rate to increase, breathing becomes faster and so on. Any action involves running away or “freezing,” unable to escape from the stressor. A creative activity will encourage you to decompress and restore balance by keeping you in the “now,” rather than feeling anxious about the future.  Things like drawing, sewing, cooking and writing are just some of the activities that help to calm the body and mind enough to facilitate the emotional and psychological processing necessary to work through this transitional state.

Meditation relaxes and soothes and also aids nourishing deep breathing. Just focus on listening to the breath, or listening to some meditation music to help clear the thoughts that come and go.

Time with loved ones, even if it is on a screen or on the phone, will boost your immune system and of course, doing nothing may sometimes be just what you need.

Water is a good agent for healing if you are feeling anxious. If you are able to walk by a stream or on a beach, doing so will be uplifting, you will find it soothing and cleansing emotionally.  If you are not able to do this during the lockdown, then try taking a bath instead of a shower, or listening to recordings of water flowing and of course, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

© Jennifer Carlton April 2020