COVID 19 IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH WELLBEING

 

IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

It is a normal response for people to experience extreme anxiety and fear amid a pandemic. However, excess fear and worry are dangerous to our mental health. The novel coronavirus has caused a massive decline in mental health and well-being, primarily in patients who test positive for the virus. According to a paper published by Lancet Psychiatry, about 20% of individuals who had no prior history of a mental illness were diagnosed with insomnia, anxiety, and depression after contracting the virus. A similar study by the Oxford research center reveals that psychiatric patients are 65% more prone to contracting the virus. Is mental illness a predisposing factor to COVID 19? This research lacks empirical support, and therefore more research needs to be done on that particular topic. The impacts on mental health are long-lasting even after recovery and are characterized by loss of the sense of smell, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, and extreme fatigue. How have the measures to contain the virus impacted the mental health of people all over the globe?

Lockdown. Although the government has designed lockdown guidelines to contain the virus, more people have become lonely, anxious, and restless, in addition to facing a major life crisis in adapting to the new normal. Job reductions, loss of contact with friends and family and friends, and adjustments to working from home are some of the precipitating factors exacerbating mental health conditions such as substance abuse, insomnia, eating disorders, and anxiety.

Impact of the pandemic on mental health. Stigmatization of survivors and families who lost a relative due to the pandemic has been evident in previous outbreaks such as Ebola. The COVID 19 pandemic has not been any different, and this has significantly contributed to a mental health crisis. Families who have lost a close relative or a friend as a result of the pandemic are more likely to experience feelings of Panic, grief, helplessness, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Key populations affected negatively by the virus.

Youths. Young people have experienced poor mental health with a reported increase in substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Many of them are laid off from their jobs, and learning has been affected in universities and colleges.

Health workers. Essential services personnel have heavily been impacted negatively in terms of their mental health due to fear of contracting the virus.

Parents. Parents are likely to experience adverse health outcomes due to loss of jobs and school shutdown, which increases child care expenses. According to the survey done by Bureau Household Pulse, parents who were retrenched due to the COVID 19 had increased use of substances and anxiety symptoms.

Self-care tips

Eat a well-balanced diet.

Follow the community guidelines against COVID 19, wash your hands, wear your mask, practice social distancing.

Check out on your friends and family and listen and help if they feel lonely.

Practice sleep hygiene

Limit time listening to COVID 19 related news

Focus on things you can control

Avoid substance abuse

Practice meditation and breathing exercises whenever you feel overwhelmed (please check out my article on meditation if you have not).

Seek professional services or call your doctor whenever you feel distressed.

Get vaccinated

Check out for suicide symptoms from friends and relatives, such as extreme feelings of hopelessness, and be there to help them get professional help.