How to deal with psychological abnormalities after catching a cold

Psychological abnormalities after catching a cold are usually related to factors such as viral infection, immune response, fever discomfort, etc. They can be treated through psychological counseling, symptomatic supportive treatment, environmental adjustment, moderate activity, professional intervention, and other methods.

1. Psychological Counseling

During a cold, physical discomfort and restricted activities may cause irritability, anxiety, or low mood. Psychological counseling at this time can help alleviate negative emotions. Patients can try to confide their feelings to family and friends and release stress through communication. Family members should provide full understanding and companionship, and avoid imposing additional mental burdens. For children, parents need to patiently comfort them, explain in simple language that their physical discomfort is temporary, and divert their attention through accompanying reading, playing, and other means. If emotional problems persist, it may be considered to seek the help of a psychological counselor for professional counseling such as cognitive behavioral regulation.

2. Symptomatic supportive treatment

Actively treating the primary cold disease is the basis for improving psychological abnormalities. Targeted treatment for cold symptoms such as fever, headache, and nasal congestion can significantly improve physical comfort and indirectly improve mood. For example, following medical advice to use acetaminophen tablets to relieve fever and headache, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets to alleviate nasal congestion, and loratadine tablets to control allergic symptoms. Ensure adequate rest and drinking water to help the body fight against the virus. After the physical symptoms are controlled, psychological reactions such as irritability and irritability caused by discomfort usually decrease.

III. Environmental Adjustment

Creating a quiet, comfortable, and softly lit resting environment has a positive impact on psychological state. Maintain indoor air circulation but avoid direct blowing, and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity. Reducing noise and strong light stimulation can help patients relax and sleep. You can play some soothing music or practice deep breathing to help calm your emotions. For children, parents need to arrange a regular schedule and provide familiar toys or items to increase their sense of security. A good resting environment can reduce external stress and create conditions for physical and mental recovery.

4. Moderate Activity

Engaging in very gentle activities, within the limits of physical ability, can help improve mood. Long term bed rest may exacerbate feelings of weakness and depression. After the acute symptoms subside, you can take a slow walk indoors or engage in simple stretching activities. These activities can promote blood circulation, increase the release of endorphins, and thus bring a sense of pleasure. Activities should be conducted in a way that does not cause fatigue, and vigorous exercise should be avoided. For children, parents can guide them to engage in some quiet tabletop games or handicrafts to gain a sense of achievement and shift their focus from illness.

V. Professional Intervention

If the psychological symptoms are severe, such as persistent significant anxiety, depression, hallucinations, or behavioral abnormalities, or if the psychological symptoms do not improve after recovering from a cold, professional medical assistance should be sought in a timely manner. This may not be a simple stress response, but requires the exclusion of rare but serious complications such as viral encephalitis and autoimmune encephalopathy, or the induction of pre-existing emotional disorders. You should go to a psychiatric or neurological department for comprehensive evaluation by a doctor. Treatment may include deeper psychological therapy, or intervention with anti anxiety drugs such as buspirone hydrochloride tablets or antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules as prescribed after a clear diagnosis. When psychological abnormalities occur after a cold, daily care should focus on overall physical and mental adjustment. Ensure balanced nutrient intake, eat fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, as well as high-quality protein such as kiwifruit, broccoli, fish, and eggs, to provide raw materials for immune and nervous system repair. Ensure sufficient daily water intake and avoid beverages such as coffee and strong tea that may affect mood or sleep. During the recovery period, light activities such as outdoor walks and sunbathing can be gradually increased. Sunlight helps regulate biological rhythms and improve emotions. Establish regular sleep habits and avoid staying up late. Family members should provide continuous emotional support, listen more, blame less, and create a relaxed family atmosphere. If the psychological condition does not improve after self-regulation, or if there are neurological symptoms such as worsening headache and blurred consciousness, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner, identify the cause, and receive standardized treatment.