The procurement of care and self-care

Diabetes, hypertension and obesity are the most common comorbidities among COVID-19 patients. This generates concerns in the population, as well as a reconsideration of their eating habits and customs.

 

Family support networks become fractured when the instruction of having as little contact as possible with outsiders is followed (this includes extended family, children and grandchildren) On one hand, the provision of care for the elderly usually falls on the family. On the other hand, grandmothers also fulfil the role of caregivers for the grandchildren. The current situation broke this fragile balance or, the opposite, made “exceptions to the rule” in order to go on with the work routine.

 

Domestic workers are an informal sector that allows the subsistence of women in a precarious situation, but also makes it possible for many women to develop their professional activities. In times of COVID-19 the lack of labor and legal protection of domestic workers was evident, as well as the enormous dependence of many women on  their usually underestimated employees.

 

Mood changes, fights as a couple, problems with children and economic uncertainty generated stress, anguish, anxiety and sometimes even panic attacks.  Apart from physical health, alarm bells regarding mental health started ringing. These shared sensations will help to avoid stigmatizing psychological and psychiatric care.