The effects of the pandemic on mental health

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been and continue to be affected by this respiratory virus in several areas of life. Daily routines have been severely affected and in some cases we can speak of financial fear and social isolation. The media has focused heavily on the mental health implications of the virus and, through experts, offered recommendations on how to adapt and self-protect against all that the virus means. These recommendations included wearing masks in public spaces, social distancing, limiting going out.

In other words, people have been hit by a new reality, one very different from the one they were used to.

The effects of the pandemic are not few. Worry and stress are normal responses of people when they find themselves in a potentially dangerous or threatening situation; and this whole pandemic has provoked a strong sense of despair as well as feelings of vulnerability.

Anxiety spread extremely quickly. Some people have experienced panic attacks for the first time, while for others they have become much more common. Post-traumatic stress symptoms have also increased considerably in the population.

Emotional reactions that can be felt even after the pandemic has passed can be:
😞 Mixed emotions, confused, but also relief.
😞 Fe ar and worry for your own health and the health of your loved ones.
😞 Stress not to come into contact with COVID-19 and the stress of monitoring yourself, or being monitored by others.
😞 S adness, anger or frustration because friends or loved ones are afraid of getting the illness from you.
😞 Guilt because you can’t perform normal work or parenting duties while having COVID-19.

How can you cope with these emotions?

To reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, you need to start addressing the issues that cause these emotions.

1. The first thing you can do is to limit the amount of exposure to media informationbecause coronavirus updates can cause anxiety. It is important to stay informed without feeling negative effects on your mental well-being. Stay informed about the situation through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. These are trusted sources that will not broadcast false information in order to get more views, as other media outlets would. Informing in the right way can prevent negative consequences in thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

2. Keep in touch with friends and family remotely through technological devices. Social relationships and interactions are directly related to mental health and behavior (Umberson et al., 2010). Communicating for an hour a day by voice or video call with a friend or family member can refresh your mood and keep your mind off the virus. This is especially important for those who are self-isolated, lonely and have almost no social interaction.

3. Keep your body moving with home workouts. Exercise is a natural calming and mood enhancer. Promotes health by releasing endorphins – hormones in the brain that respond to pain and stress in a positive way. One study found that running at least 15 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of depression by 26% (“The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise”). It can be hard to start exercising at a time like this, but starting slowly and steadily can lead to lasting effects.

4. Finally, look optimistically at a possible help from a mental health professional. The method of providing support via the telephone has spread, with healthcare services being provided via video and audio technology. This is a different way of staying in the realm of social distance, but still getting the care she needs.

General conclusion

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and act. Mental health can also affect how we manage stress, how we relate to others and how we act during an emergency.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable during this period. Mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) affect a person’s thinking, feelings, mood or behaviour in a way that affects their ability to relate to others and to function on a daily basis. These conditions can be situational (short-term) or long-term (chronic). People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. If you think you have new or worsening symptoms, call your doctor and seek specialist help. It is important that help comes as soon as possible so that problems do not develop.

Sources:

Umberson, Debra, and Jennifer Karas Montez. “Social Relationships and Health: a Flashpoint for Health Policy.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/

Mead, M Nathaniel. “Benefits of Sunlight: a Bright Spot for Human Health.” Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,Apr. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290997/.

“The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.” HelpGuide.org, 29 Apr. 2020, www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm

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