The Pandemic’s Impact on Mental health

BY-ADITI RAJ

Everyone across the world is being informed about the physical health effects of covid-19 infection and the steps to prevent exposure from the virus. But, the effects of this pandemic on an individual’s mental health have still not studied in length. As most of the efforts are focused towards understanding the epidemiology, prevention from the contamination and management from covid-19 outbreak, there’s been a little concern over the effects of one’s mental health. The present situation arising due to the stressful situation in pandemic requires raising awareness in public, which can be helpful to deal with the calamity. This article deals with the detailed description of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the mental health of an individual.

The coronavirus pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon; it is affecting an individual mental health causing anxiety, stress and causes disruption or even xenophobia(fear of strangers).As more and more people are being forced to stay at home with self-isolation to prevent the further contamination of the virus, governments should must take the necessary measures to provide mental health support prescribed by the mental healthy experts. According to study conducted in United States ,17.5% of participants reported suicide ideation, and 4.9% had attempted suicide during the covid-19 outbreak.

Quarantine and self-isolation can most likely cause a negative impact on a person mental health. Also a review published in The Lancet said that the separation from loved ones, loss of freedom and boredom can cause a sudden deterioration in one’s mental health. Kids can have anxiety because of the isolation situation they are facing and being away from their school and friends can lead them to distress feeling. In this situation parents should remain calm along with trying every possible way to cheer their child. Elderly people are also facing problem and also they are more prone towards the COVID-19 outbreak. The elderly people living in nursing homes can face extreme mental health issues. However, as simple as a phone call from their family can help to console them.

Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on an individual’s mental health of various population is as important as understanding the physical features and management. Hence, spending time with your family members and taking break from traditional and social media can help to overcome health issues.