ISOLATE PHYSICALLY NOT MENTALLY – IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON MENTAL HEALTH

“You are stronger than you know. In the depths of despair, you find your true strength within.” Asad Meah

As of today 06 April 2020, more than a third of the world population is under lock down as the world battle an invisible enemy. When these pronouncements to lockdown economies are made despite engagement not everyone is caught prepared. Some people have better places of stay but for some home is not as sweet. When you switch on the radio or television or twitter or even Facebook the news you face can be a big stressor. Also being ill prepared in terms of provisions, entertainment etc can cause some people to break. Clinical Psychologists argue that isolation can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression, and feelings of fear, agitation, anger, loss, and loneliness. Despite all this did you know that the world is how you see and perceive it.

The lockdown has battered many especially in the developing world, many cannot work from home neither can they work online. Some depend on hand to mouth means of survival … staying at home for 21 days will be a big struggle. People worry about how they are going to survive, how they will feed their families, dependents and employees etc. Just the word lockdown sends chills down some people’s spines. Remember lockdown is a term used in prisons. No one wants to feel there have no choice and when one feels confined stress level rise.

Some are on the front line battling this deadly virus and the imagination of going to work to face this monster can be daunting, nurses and doctors face a lot of stressors and seeing your patients dying can affect psychologically. What can one do during these trying times?

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Spirituality is Important

People who are spiritual tend to weather mental issues better. They rely on their spirituality as a daily comforting practice. Their beliefs give them hope. Religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health. Both religion and spirituality can help a person tolerate stress by generating peace, purpose and forgiveness. Many psychiatrists now believe that religion and spirituality are important in the life of their patients.

Social Networks and Support Systems

People need to make a conscious effort to reach out and use their social networks and support systems. People who stay on their own are at a big disadvantage during times as these but social media can bring that divide. While online contact can’t really replace the human touch, it is still a powerful means of remembering you are not alone.

Find a Challenging Activity

During this lockdown find something challenging to do, something like reading that big book, learn that language, learn to be a better cook (if you are stocked on food) or do gardening if you have a yard. Doing these activities mat turn out to be therapeutic.

Other activities that can assist include:

• Get up and get dressed at a designated time;
• Get some sunshine by standing at a window or going into your garden;
• Eat enough and as healthily as possible within the confines of your budget and avoid overeating because boredom of just being seated may cause unrestrained appetite;
• Get enough sleep and stick to a regular bedtime; and
• Get enough exercise.
• Let go of things you cannot control and shift your attention to solutions.

Always remember Hygiene! Hygiene! Hygiene! Hygiene! Always wash your hands!

Stay home… Keep the social distance… protect yourself and others. We can beat this virus together!

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