“There still are so many people who are suffering in silence. And there’s still this stigma attached to mental health which we’ve got to completely obliterate.”- PRINCE WILLIAM
As the coronavirus epidemic spreads around the globe; the public health crisis has unleashed a slew of social and economic repercussions. It may be felt disproportionately by those who are most at risk of being left behind. Let’s dive deep to understand the Impact of Covid 19 on Mankind.
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Aside from the immediate threats to physical health, the psychological consequences of COVID-19 represent considerable hazards to mental well-being; since heightened levels of stress and worry are amplified by the uncertainty surrounding the situation; which is compounded by the ongoing nature of the condition.
According to Kaiser Family Foundation (U.S. based nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues); about 4 in 10 adults have shown symptoms of depression & anxiety during pandemic in U.S., in comparison to the past year i.e. 2019 where 1 in 10 adult reported symptoms of stress disorder as shown in figure below.
As the COVID-19 pandemic virus still has no end in sight; coupled with the delay in getting treatment for serious chronic diseases, mental health issues such as panic, anxiety, and depression have surfaced. Additionally, images of seriously ill people, dead bodies, and coffins have increased people’s levels of social discomfort due to their frequent repetition in the media.
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On top of that, the unfamiliarity with strong quarantine measures that infringe on personal liberties plays a significant role in the worldwide economic crisis, in which a large number of the working population, both low- and middle-income countries, suffers from unemployment.
Covid 19 & Older Adults
Depressive symptoms and mental health difficulties are rather common in older people. Due to the shift in mental health care provision from in-person doctor’s visits to telemedicine in the COVID-19 era. This age group appears to be particularly affected because most elderly individuals are limited in their ability to use smartphones and the internet. Thus, they have no access to the type of medical care that they may need.
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In terms of behavior, this gives rise to the feeling of no therapy and an increase in pre-existing psychiatric symptoms. Other than that, hospitalization is likely to result in more social isolation due to restrictions on visits.
Even the people of this generation without pre-existing psychiatric diseases seem more sensitive to mental health concerns. Most of these individuals have pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or dementia, and as a result, they are particularly concerned about catching COVID-19.
The media has created the image of COVID-19 to portray it as a disease affecting older adults that results in social stigma, age-based discrimination, and increased isolation for the elderly, as well as infringements on their right to health and life. The repercussions of this include greater isolation and psychological distress for the elderly and additional distress on the part of their families and caregivers.
Covid 19 & Children, Adolescents & Youth
More Vulnerable– Impact of Covid 19
When it comes to developing brains and the impact that chronic stress can have on young minds; children today face increased vulnerabilities in the COVID-19 era. It is because of the implementation of practices that restrict their ability to interact with their peers; as well as their parents, to protect them from possible harm.
Moreover, as most mental health conditions develop in adolescence or young adulthood, people of these age groups also seem to develop mental health symptoms because of constant stressors, such as closures at schools or universities and routine and social interconnections and economic decline outlook.
Loneliness– Impact of Covid 19
Specific mental health illnesses are strongly associated; such as depression symptoms in girls and social anxiety in boys. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health; children who had been subjected to enforced seclusion or quarantine were five times more likely to seek mental health services and have higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder.
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This is particularly pertinent in the COVID-19 conference when legislators in several countries are debating the proper length of time for schools to be closed and the adoption of social distancing within academic institutions.
Covid 19 & Health Care Professionals
Due to the unprecedented set of challenges that frontline HCPs and long-term care facility workers now confront, these workers are particularly vulnerable to psychological health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extreme workloads, widespread usage of protective equipment, and tough judgments are all factors that can potentially result in deaths that would not have occurred under normal conditions.
They are also concerned about the possibility of becoming infected or transferring sickness to their family; Witnessing patients’ deaths, being away from their families, and being stigmatized by their communities. As a result, symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, distress, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive behavior are common.
Nurses are more vulnerable than doctors when it comes to malpractice claims. As an alternative to being compelled to redeploy to care for impacted patients; additional work-related characteristics that can exacerbate psychological impacts. This include having less experience in part-time employment and having more contact with affected patients.
Covid 19 & Homeless People
For those homeless or displaced, living conditions such as shelters, halfway homes, encampments, or abandoned structures tend to be the most conducive to COVID-19; because of the infrequency with which they have access to shower facilities basic hygiene items.
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Additionally, they have a much higher incidence of mental and physical illness and reduced access to medical care. Despite the scarcity of prospective research, it appears the high risk of COVID-19 infection leads to considerable stress. This stress could lead to more mental health issues or induce others.
The Bottom Line- Impact of Covid 19
COVID-19 epidemic has profoundly altered our daily life. This is the first time in history that Humanity for the first time in history has been confronted with a threat of this magnitude and duration. This is affecting all members of society regardless of skin color, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Thus, this unprecedented global bioterrorism has already had a huge impact on the general population’s mental health and vulnerable populations. For Instance, mentally ill, healthcare workers, the younger, the elderly, and the most economically disadvantaged members of society.
COVID-19 pandemic risk, and the subsequent mental health crisis, call for coordinated action on the part of public policy makers to help alleviate the consequences of the crisis and future policies and avoid a mental health catastrophe while also meeting the needs of the person.
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Dealing with emotional problems during the lockdown. Let’s grab some amazing tips to improve your mental health.
Few Amazing Tips to Improve Your Mental Health– Impact of Covid 19
1. Plan out your Project Timeline
Keep yourself busy by making plans, and fill your calendar with activities. If you’re working from home, you might be doing something creative. Instead of watching TV, keep busy by doing tasks around the house like cleaning, cooking, or laundry.
2. Spend time with Oneself
Music and Reading are one of the ways to reduce feelings of anxiety and bewilderment, so they help spread that calming influence. And this is the perfect time to catch up on all of your favorite shows online
3. Review activities you used to Enjoy
Keep in mind your previous interests? It’s time to revive it. Whether you choose to do it for fun, from painting to strumming on the guitar, composing poems, sewing, or gardening, you can find numerous ways to overcome stress.
4. Consume a Healthy Diet
Focus on eating a nutritious diet. Consumption of fresh meals could bring a joyful and contented state. To stay hydrated and keep your body functioning correctly, drink plenty of fluids, including water and juices
5. Never Skip Workouts
You must exercise every day to stay healthy. Simple home cardiovascular activities will keep you fit and foster endorphin production, resulting in feelings of contentment.
6. The Act of Sharing is Caring
Although sharing food and other resources is highly recommended, you may have to do so to maintain your well-being. Feeling good about yourself is one of the benefits of sharing. Also, you are doing the world a huge service.