COVID-19 and Mental Health

 

COVID-19 and the mental health implications

The COVID-19 Pandemic hit us hard last year and much of the world's population was still coping when the second wave hit us a year later. We all know about the physical health implications of COVID-19 but many ignore the other side of the coin, which is mental health. Mental health is not a topic that should be overlooked especially in this time of the pandemic.

Fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown. So it is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Added to the fear of contracting the virus in a pandemic such as COVID-19 are the significant changes to our daily lives as our movements are restricted in support of efforts to contain and slow down the spread of the virus. Faced with new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues, it is important that we look after our mental, as well as our physical, health.

 It can also make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Stress can cause the following:

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

While the health system struggles to save millions of lives daily, there is probably a risk of a looming pandemic of hidden mental health issues which has a huge potential of shattering the existing mental health infrastructure. To handle the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of the people needs to be handled hand in hand and given equal importance along with other strategies to manage and control the disease and the pandemic at large. There is a definite need for specialized psychological intervention and proper and consistent risk communication and crisis communication. An updated, timely, uncomplicated guidelines should be put forth in order to avoid confusion and anxiety among the people. Hence, keeping a positive approach, effective communication strategies and understanding the problem statement, will help in dealing with the mental health issues faced by the world in this hour of crisis. The recommended intervention strategies should therefore be vulnerable group specific and further cause or risk factor specific also. Developing need-based interventions with proper risk communication strategies and keeping at par with the evolving epidemiology of COVID-19 would be instrumental in guiding the planning and prioritization of mental health care resources so that the mental health of most vulnerable groups is well served.

Has the second wave affected our mental health?

The sheer unexpectedness of the rise in Covid-19 cases has caused a lot distress and chaos all over the country. Mental health has been compromised, once again. Stress levels are running high. In circumstances like these, a sense of all-pervasive doom and helplessness is not unusual. So what to do?

We looked at psychologists and counsellors to get insights about dealing with mental stress as the Second Wave wreaks havoc all across the country. Here's what they had to say.

It Is OK To Feel Upset

Dr Lubhana Malik, who is a psychotherapist, shared how this new wave has brought about a bigger mental strain with it than last year did, "The Second Wave has not only seen a spike in Covid-19 cases, but also anger levels, frustration and low feelings in individuals. Even people who had been championing and coping with the stress, are really feeling pulled down now. This is because we often deny our feelings and push them under the carpet. Instead, we need to accept that it is okay to feel upset, it is okay to take some time off. It is important to validate one's feelings. Change always brings discomfort; however, all change is not bad".

"THINGS WILL GET BETTER, BUT YOU SHOULDN'T FORCE YOURSELF INTO THINKING IT WILL HAPPEN IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE. FIND COMFORTING TECHNIQUES FOR YOURSELF," SHE SUGGESTED.

"For some people it could be reading, or a quick chat with a loved one. Another important thing is to not let uncertainties overwhelm us. We must stick to what is in our control and act accordingly. As human beings, we adapt very quickly to a new normal after a small period of discomfort. For instance, despite fatalities related to air/road travel, we knowledgeably accept them and minimise the risk by taking precautions such as using seat belts, following speed limits. Similarly, being responsible citizens, we must follow all Covid protocols and get vaccinated when our turn comes. Fear of fatality is bogging people down. However, one needs to realise that fear itself raises our physiological responses and reduces our immunity, leading to a Catch-22 situation. Instead, we need to remain as calm as possible and cross the bridge when we get there. Remember, as a society, we are all in this together, and we shall make it through."

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, TV, and computer screens for a while.

Take care of your body.

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Helping Others Cope

Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.

Don't Trust That WhatsApp Forward

"The more informed you are about something, the more you feel you have it under control", says neuropsychologist Tejasvini Sinha. "So, knowing that a doctor in the society can be contacted, or knowing what medicine to take in case of some symptoms, can bring a lot of comfort to people. Don't rely on WhatsApp forwards, because most of them are far from true. Checking updates too frequently can really overwhelm you, so maybe just once in a while, check statistics from an authentic source, if you really must. Lastly, I would just advise, please take care of your body and have a routine. Try to help people virtually, because that will make you feel good too. Have a microscopic vision of life and be grateful for your blessings. The macroscopic reality of the world is hurtful, and we are hard-wired to feel guilt and regret a little too much. But try to shift your focus on what you can control, how you can be happy, and spread happiness around."