The Key to Success Self-Isolation: Positive Thinking and Family Support

Aims: Covid-19 infected patients are necessarily treated under isolation procedures in health facilities. However, those who have clinically mild symptoms are recommended to self-isolate. This study aims to explore the experiences of Covid-19 survivors who underwent self-isolation from the beginning of infection until declared cured. Participants Methods: Phenomenological design study was used in this qualitative research to describe the experiences of Covid-19 survivors who were under self-isolation in Semarang, from the beginning of infection until declared cured. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews through offline and online methods. Findings: Positive thinking and the support of family and companions motivated them to survive in self-isolation conditions. Environmental stigma was the most undesirable obstacle felt by the Covid-19 survivors during self-isolation at home. Covid-19 survivors experiencing clinically mild symptoms tended to distrust the media because the media provides frightening information about Covid-19. Conclusion: Positive thinking and family support are the successful keys to self-isolation. Media can be used responsibly to reduce stigma and to support Covid-19 sufferers who are undergoing self-isolation.