COVID-19: Possibility of Mental Health Threat
- Ms. Pratiksha Bhattarai
It
might not be very wrong to say that Pandemics itself now seems to be endemic in
this the modern world. The mentioned
line is supported by the pandemics in the history, May it be the flu pandemic
in 1800’s, Spanish flu, Asian flu and HIV pandemic in the 1900’s or the H1N1
Swine Flu, zica virus, ebola virus in the 2000’s and now the COVID-19, infection
caused by novel corona virus. Whatever is the cause, either it is the climate
change effect or merely the increase in travel and international movement,
pandemics has been following humans. The novel corona virus disease later
renamed as COVID-19 after its emergence at the end of 2019 began threatening
the health and has claimed lives of millions of people after a few months. With
the possibility of causing severe respiratory disease and by far highly
contagious, it has quickly impacted governments and health systems of the world
and undoubtedly ours as well. These have
been responded by the national competent authorities and the government by
declaring a public health emergency of national and international concern and
by adopting measures to prevent the contagion and limit the outbreak. On the
same process, we are towards the end of third week of lock down as on today.
The COVID-19 disease has now achieved pandemic status. The World Health Organization has issued guidelines for managing the problem from both biomedical and psychological points of view. While preventive and medical action is the most important at this stage, emergency psychological crisis interventions for people affected by COVID-19 cannot be neglected as well. Evidences suggests that pandemics are not merely a medical phenomenon, it rather affects individuals and society on many aspects and most importantly psychological. COVID-19, a novel virus detected in December 2019 has affected more than 200 Countries of the world raising concerns of widespread pandemics, Moreover excessive media coverage and social media has highlighted the COVID-19 as a unique threat and has added to panic, stress, behavioral anxiety, sleep disturbances and overall perceived lower state of health. This can be a next threat particularly to individuals with mental illness and to the vulnerable group. This has caused alterations in Millions of lives and a national, multi-level, and demanding stress-coping-adjustment process seems to be a national focus.
Since
the virus is just four months old, there might not be enough scientific
evidences to suggest that it has direct effect on mental health of the
population but based on current public’s reaction, it can be well anticipated
that it will have rippling effects on the community, and Studies in the past do
reveal that depression rate usually soar after infections. Feeling stressed or
overwhelmed Anxiety, worry, or fear, Racing thoughts, sadness, tearfulness,
loss of interest in usual enjoyable activities, Physical symptoms, such as
increased heart rate, stomach upset, fatigue, or other uncomfortable sensations,
Frustration, irritability, or anger, Restlessness or agitation, Feeling
helpless, Difficulty concentrating or sleeping, Feeling disconnected from
others, Apprehension about going to public spaces, Trouble relaxing, stigma and
even xenophobia like characters have already been seen or may appear in the
public from the act of piling household items, arranging masks and sanitizers.
These experiences are all understandable and normal as well in the face of this
significant challenge. There has been loss of life, rapid changes to our way of
life and disrupted plans due to travel restrictions and moreover social
(physical) distancing measures in our efforts to slow the spread of
transmission in these fourteen days of isolation (lockdown).
This
should be a serious concern as it is going to make us panic and create threat
in the coming days.( which has been overlooked by the policy makers). Infectious
diseases often threats to manifest anxiety and panic and COVID-19 with so much
attention worldwide, it is no wrong to assume it will definitely pose it. The
fear of getting infected, worry about loved ones getting infected and mostly
absence of definitive treatment till date may lead to anxiety symptoms.
Furthermore contamination obsessions such as concerns on washing, cleaning and
sanitizing may increase sensitivity to panic and destabilize the population. “The issue facing each and every one of us
is how we manage and react to the stressful situation unfolding so rapidly in
our lives and communities. Here we can draw on the remarkable powers of
strength and cooperation that we also fortunately possess as humans. And that
is what we must try to focus on to respond most effectively to this crisis as
individuals, family and community members, friends and colleagues,” said Dr
Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. This clearly
demonstrates psychological coping is essential for every individual in the
community.
It’s
important to recognize the seriousness of this mental health threat faced by
our community, and help maintain civil communication by the government
authorities. On individual basis, When many things feel uncertain or out of our
control, one of the most effective ways we can manage stress and anxiety is to
focus on the actions that are in our control. So it is advised to acknowledge
our feelings. Whatever you are feeling right now, know that it’s okay to feel
that way. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling. This
could be through journaling, talking with others, or driving your emotions into
something creative (e.g., drawing, painting, poetry, music). Mindfulness
meditation exercises can help us stay grounded in the midst of an emotional
storm. One can learn how to witness and let thoughts and feelings come and go
in their own time, without getting overwhelmed by them. It’s very important to maintain
your day-to-day activities and a routine as much as possible. A healthy routine
can have a positive impact on our thoughts and feelings. Never forget that Even if you're in self-quarantine, locked down, or isolated
working from home, there are many ways to develop new routines and stay healthy
and moreover most importantly Set limits around news and social media. It’s
understandable to want to keep informed and prepared. At the same time,
constantly reading, watching, or listening to upsetting media coverage can
unnecessarily intensify worry and agitation.
Hence
Believe in Social distancing not Mental
Distancing. Remember that physical
distancing does not need to mean social disconnection.
Stay Safe and protect your mental
health.
(Ms. Bhattarai is a Registered Nurse and a Graduate from IOM TUTH)
(Ms. Bhattarai is a Registered Nurse and a Graduate from IOM TUTH)
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