Covid 19 or the corona virus disease emerged and started spreading in the whole world causing an outbreak with a high fatality rate in late 2019. Lives of all sections of society have been affected by this outbreak and has led the world to an unprecedented public health crisis.

Pandemic caused by Covid-19 has led to loss of lives, economic loss, social disruption and general hardship on a wider scale. People all over the world are asked to quarantine, maintain social distancing, and some parts of the world are still in lockdown. 2020 saw the whole world shut down. 2021 isn’t turning any different. We all are seeing the adverse effects of the second wave of Covid-19, India being worst hit by the wave. 

Along with the serious damage to the physical body, this pandemic has resulted in many mental health problems as well. In these challenging times, there is an increase in the number of people suffering from depression, anxiety because of stay-at-home orders, unemployment and fear about the virus.

The lockdown has resulted in psychological problems such as frustration, stress, depression, etc. Let’s look at some mental health issues caused by covid 19. 

Stay at home-

In this covid times, all people except non-essential workers are forced to stay indoors, quarantine themselves and maintain social distance. This isolation has resulted in the feeling of loneliness. Isolation is a risk factor for suicides as it leads to negative thinking. Stress and worry about coronavirus has a negative impact on mental health of people. The people already suffering from mental illness are severely affected with negative impact. These include people living with traumas, rape victims,children living with toxic guardians. etc. Lockdown has also resulted in the rise of domestic violence, substance use etc. With schools being shut, parents are worried about the education of their kids. Children are forced to stay home, away from their friends. This is hampering their social and emotional growth. 

Unemployment

Unemployment rate has risen again due to the economical strain caused by the second wave of covid 19. Millions of people around the globe have lost their job which was their only source of income and the way to feed themselves and their family. Reduced income, loss of job or unemployment because of the pandemic restrictions causes negative consequences on mental health including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, substance use. The stigma associated with unemployment causes stress and reduced self esteem. This also affects physical health. 

Scarcity of medical equipments and burden Front-line workers- 

Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus in december 2019, health care staff have been working day and night, packed up in PPE suits and fighting against the virus, treating the patients. This has been going on for more than a year now, the second wave has proven more dangerous and there are many videos of doctors circulating on social media. There’s scarcity of oxygen cylinders, beds in the hospitals, ventilators, some life saving medicines while there is constant increase in the number of covid patients and deaths. Even the doctors are facing burn out and unable to help the patients because of the scarcity. The front-line workers are directly involved in handling the patients and thus are at a greater risk than others. The infection rate among medical staff is higher. The excessive workload, inadequate equipment, and watching people die in front of their eyes ..all these are impacting the mental health of the front-line workers. Poor mental health and increased anxiety, insomnia or trauma are some consequences on mental health of front-line workers.

Grief and loss

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disturbing experience of proximity to death. The experience of losing a relative or friend due to covid which is one of the stressful events in a person’s life, is a new challenge for survivors and mental health professionals. Because of the restrictive lockdown rules, most people don’t get a chance to say last goodbye  to their loved ones. The whole experience negatively affects individuals with or without previous mental health disorders. All this is leading to an increase of symptoms of anxiety, depression, paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder, phobia etc.

Let’s look at how to improve your mental health, and some tips to help you get through this crisis.

Take good care of your body, mind and soul-

  – spend at least 30 mins for exercise. Happy chemicals are released by the brain when you exercise and also it removes all the stress and anxiety.

  – meditate daily. It helps you reduce negative emotions, calms your mind and helps you gain a new perspective over stressful situations.

  – eat healthy food. It helps you build stronger immune system, keeps your mood better and keeps up the energy levels

  – have a good sleep. Sleep increases productivity. Better sleep= better mood.

  – stay indoors if have to go out wear mask and maintain social distancing

  – Stay connected. Even though there is physical distance and you are unable to meet your friends and relatives, stay in touch with them virtually. Call them, make video calls. Staying in touch with loved ones improves mood and helps you deal with stress more efficiently.

  – Try to maintain the schedule. Maintaining the regular schedule boosts productivity. 

  – Indulge yourself in a hobby. This lockdown is the best time to take that canvas out and paint something, or dance to trending choreographies or cook that recipe you always wanted to try. Take some time for yourself and declutter your mind.

Watch mindfully

  – limit the amount of news you watch. It is important to stay informed about the current events. But it is more important to keep your mind stable. Don’t obsessively check the news. There’s a lot of misinformation out there which feeds fear. So stick to verified and trustworthy solutions.

  – limit usage of Social media if it results in more anxiety. And use it carefully.

  – watch something entertaining or something that you would like to watch which freshens up your mood. 

  – Also be careful what you share online. Share only if the information is verified.

For people with mental illness, people living with toxic family, 

  – talk to a psychiatrist if needed

  – Focus on the solution rather than the problem

  – stand up for yourself

For Front-line workers-

  – Maintain a healthy lifestyle

  – stay connected

  – stay informed but avoid information overload

  – Focus on things that you can control 

Help people in need-

  – Donate. India is going through a tough time because of Covid 19 pandemic. If anybody reading this, would like to help, I am sharing a link here. Please if you can, donate and help India fight this virus. 

Link- https://hemkuntfoundation.com/donate-now/  Thank you.

  – Be kind. This is a tough time for everyone. Being kind to each other is the least we can do to help. 

Follow these simple tips and keep your mind peaceful. 

But if you think you or anybody around you needs professional help, reach out to a psychiatrist. 

This is the time to support each other, reach out and help one another. This is the time for global solidarity. Together we can overcome all the difficulties and build back our social, economical and healthy world.

STAY SAFE.