Coronavirus – Hungarian psychologist Csernus reveals how to defeat depression in this hard period

As a result of the coronavirus epidemic, psychology now faces a new situation, and its solution cannot be read in academic writings. According to the famous Hungarian psychologist, Imre Csernus – the best way to defeat depression in this period is by setting short-term goals.

The renowned therapist has been successfully working with the Hungarian women’s national water polo team for many years. As he says, the unprecedented situation has caused several difficulties to cope with;

one of the hardest – for both athletes and civilians – is the restricted freedom of movement.

Still, the therapist has some general rules and tips that can keep our spirits up in this hard period.

The women’s water polo team has not yet been selected to the Tokyo Olympics; the epidemic outbreak was announced a few days before their qualifying tournament in Trieste. Since then, both of the events have been postponed.

Read alsoCoronavirus – Hungarian psychologist Csernus reveals how to defeat depression in this hard period

According to Csernus, thanks to the two-year-long period spent together, the Hungarian team can face the recent difficulties – including aimlessness and inactivity – more efficiently.

“In this respect, the girls have an advantage because during the last two years they spent with preparing themselves for Tokyo Olympics, I taught them to always focus on the next moment which is the most important of all. So concentrating on here and now is our goal, that is what we have to be prepared for; not something vague that might happen several months or one year later, such as the Olympics. This is what I taught them in the last two years; as a result of which, I believe that most of them will react to this unforeseen situation properly.”

According to the therapist, such cases show the real strength of spirit.