IMPACT OF CORONA ON MENTAL HEALTH

Infectious disease outbreaks, the current coronavirus (COVID- 19), can be terrifying and can affect our mental health. The novel coronavirus disease that emerged at the end of 2019 began spreading like a wildfire intimidating the health and lives of millions of people after a few weeks. Highly contagious with the possibility of causing severe respiratory disease, it has quickly affected the governments and public health systems. These have responded by proclaiming a public health emergency of national and international concern, as well as by adopting extraordinary measures to prevent the contagion and limit the outbreak. Millions of lives have been notably altered, and a global, multi-level, and demanding stress-coping-adjustment process is ongoing.

The coronavirus pandemic could have a "profound" effect on people and mental health - now and in the future. It has lead to a massive increase in levels of stress and anxiety in the public. People were already struggling to access the support they needed and special support would need to be provided to specific groups, such as children and front-line health workers.   So, a moment-to-moment" monitoring of the mental health of the population acts as an effective tool. It can be designed quickly to help people at home. Increased social isolation, loneliness, health anxiety, stress and an economic crisis are the perfect storm to harm people’s mental health and wellbeing. Researchers said “Doing nothing would risk a rise in conditions such as anxiety and depression, more people turning to alcohol, drugs and gambling, as well as other consequences, such as homelessness…

The most significant problem is that many with mental health conditions presented their concerns about accessing support and services of the pandemic, as well as they, fear that their existing health problems might get worse. There can be a risk that the number of people with depression and those self-harming or taking their own lives will increase thereafter. During the SARS epidemic of 2003, there was a 30% increase in suicide in the age group over 65. 

Some revealed worries about the effect of social isolation and financial difficulties created by the response to the crisis. The policies used to manage the pandemic would automatically have serious effects on mental health by increasing unemployment, financial insecurity and poverty. 

A group of 8 are listed as the most vulnerable group. 

·         Children, young people and families (due to school closures, domestic violence, no free school meals)

·         Older adults and those with underlying health issues (isolation, loneliness, bereavement)

·         People with existing mental-health issues (disruption to services and relapses)

·         Front-line healthcare workers (fear of contamination, increased work stress)

·         People with learning difficulties (change of practice and support)

·         People on low incomes (job and financial instability)

·        Prisoners, the homeless and refugees (social exclusion).

·        Society in general might experience increased health inequality and a rise in use of food banks. 

How to stay strong?

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, angry, confused, and fearful during a crisis. So, keeping in touch with the family and friends may help to cope up with the situation. If you feel overwhelmed talk to your health care provider. Always have a good promising plan about where to go, how to seek help for physical and mental health if required. Always make time to unwind. Be more involved in activities that make you feel comfortable and optimistic. Try to make new skills or draw on skills that helped you control the previous life's hardship and focus to manage your emotions during these difficult times. Find a credible source of information which you can trust and gather the facts that will help you to look forward. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can also be upsetting. Also, collect information to analyze your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Be a role model – Develop a healthy lifestyle which consists of proper diet, exercise, good sleep, secure social interactions, proper connection with the loved ones at home and away from home. Try to keep up with regular routines. Even though the schools are closed, create a regular schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities. To support a child - Reassure your child or teen that they are safe and let them know it is ok if they are worried. Share with them how you deal with your stress so that they can learn how to cope with you.

The World Health Organization has issued guidelines for managing the problem from both biomedical and psychological points of view. While medical action and preventive measures are very important at this stage, emergency psychological crisis and interventions for people affected by COVID-19 are also critical. This includes direct interventions for patients, and indirect for relatives, caregivers, and health care professionals.

After the first experience in China, clinical institutions have internationally opened online platforms to provide psychological counselling services for affected people. Moreover, some research has stated that the mental health of COVID-19 patients (including confirmed patients, those with suspected infection, family members in quarantine, and health care workers) has been poorly considered and controlled. Furthermore, to develop psychological interventions for all or specific (e.g., more vulnerable) groups, important issues to address consist of the adverse psychological impacts and psychopathological symptoms in the general population during the pandemic. So, we must find a way to live in the present.

Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon; they affect individuals and society on many levels, causing chaos. Stigma and xenophobia are the two main aspects of the societal impact of pandemic infectious outbreaks. Panic and stress have also been linked to outbreaks. As concerns over the perceived threat grow, people start to collect masks and other medical supplies. This is often followed by anxiety-related behaviour, sleep disturbances, and overall lower perceived state of health. It is now crystal clear that mental health needs must be treated as a core element of our response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. A failure to take people's emotional well-being seriously will lead to long-term social and economic costs to society. The researchers say a database should be set up to monitor any psychological or brain effects of Covid-19.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”. Stay safe and be optimistic and fill life with the new light.

-Beenu Maria Joseph 4th Pharm.D