Mental Health Under Lockdown
Covid-19 has burdened the entire world with a 30-40 percent increase in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression With Covid-19 in full rage I have started an online consultation service for the patients to consult from the safety of their homes.
Depression
The onslaught of this virus has tipped further our economically unsteady world. The priority of mental health was already low owing to disproportionate stigma in comparison to physical illness.
By and large 1 out of every 5 persons and in some countries 1 out of every 4 persons irrespective of gender is afflicted by a debilitating mental illness during their lifetime.
-Uncertainties
-Confusion & fear
-Stigma
-Lockdowns & global chaos
-Mismanaged health facilities
-Bizarre Media
The vulnerability to this universal catastrophe is taking its toll.
The number of locked in, anxious and stressed people are in for an indeterminate long haul. The people newly succumbing to severe mental stress, anxiety, and depression increased between 30-40 percent from several universal studies.
Factors unique to COVID Aggravated mental illness:
– Anxiety about Surviving the pandemic for one’s own self and loved ones
– Stress of reduced social contact and restricted mobility
– Job insecurity and Management of finances
– Expenses related to prevention and health care.
The plan is to live life to the fullest.
Follow medically approved precautions of social distancing, personal cleanliness, healthy habits of sleep, and good food.
Pay attention to little joys they are like lit candles in the dark.
Quality time with family. Share games and play together.
Avoid frequent watching of news/sharing unverified messages on social media.
Take long breaks from the TV and mobile.
Walk in the open parks, beaches.
Engage in fruitful use of your time with happy, trusted, and helpful people.
Moderate to severe depression would require the help of a Psychiatrist.
Most of the available modern drug treatments are with good safety records.
The positive response to treatment takes about two weeks to surface as internal brain chemicals are modulated to perform optimally.
During this two week periods a small dose of anti-anxiety or sleep restoring medications may be added by your doctor depending on your individual symptoms and lifestyle changes encouraged in terms of proper sleep, healthy meals, exercise, handling rumination, obsessions, negative thoughts and proper management of existing medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc
Admission is for severely depressed suicidal or psychotic patients who cannot be managed at home.
Do’s and Do Not’s
Do’s :
A confiding approach with a friendly engaging “TELL ME“can open up the restrained person.
Say sincerely “ I am here for you.” And be there.
Be the good angel to self and others in need.
Offer a trusting dependable support to one in need.
Listen and be nonjudgmental in your approach.
Do Not’s
Don’t give up on hope.
Do not give up your normal day to day activities like awakening, taking a bath, going to work ( if permitted)meals at proper times as well as exercise and sleep.
Do not isolate yourself.
Do not avoid family, friends, and well-wishers.
Do not grow and harvest negative thoughts.
Do not watch excessively Corona related news.
Do not self medicate.
Do not delay in seeking help.