Mental Health Impact From COVID-19 Infections

The world went through many changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it is still causing change all over. People had to go into isolation to protect themselves from the virus and to stop it from spreading in their communities, there was very few or no social interactions, many people (especially the elderly) were left alone, people lost their jobs and other sources of income, and so much more. The pandemic affected individuals, businesses, as well as communities, and nations as a whole.

Many people who suffered going through the death of a loved one, or any one of these other adverse conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have suffered one or more mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, etc.

Social isolation and lockdowns have resulted in adverse mental health issues, and it has affected the elderly (those above 65 years of age) and adolescent-age children much more than others, as they find it more difficult to adapt to these unprecedented changes. A major contributor to the increase in mental health and substance use during COVID-19 was the fact that those people who were already suffering from mental disorders prior to the pandemic have not been able to get sufficient care and medication during this time. This situation has seen a huge increase in the severity of mental diseases and those suffering will no doubt require greater attention and care for long periods of time from clinics and doctors providing services in mental health in Mt. Gravatt and other areas of the country, as well as the world.

In addition, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety have been found among those who had lost their jobs and sources of income due to the pandemic. The inability to provide for themselves and their families has caused grave mental stress for working-age adults.

Another group of people at high risk of anxiety and depression are frontline workers, such as healthcare workers. Extreme fatigue, inability to spend time with their loved ones, fear of contracting the disease, are some of the factors that have contributed towards a decline in the mental health status of frontline workers.

What can you do as an individual and as a family to keep your mental health in good condition during this pandemic?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are certain things you can do and steps you can follow to keep yourself fit both physically and mentally during these difficult and uncertain times, such as:

• Stay physically fit – Irrespective of whether you are a child or an adult, you should keep yourself active, even if you are in isolation in your home or elsewhere. This will benefit both your body and your mind and help reduce the risk of certain diseases such as Stroke, Diabetes Type 2, Heart Disease, etc. A regular time for physical activity and exercise on a daily basis is recommended, which will give you a set routine to follow, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, etc, as it will give you an overall good feeling. You can always exercise together with friends and family through video calls and similar methods, which also gives you the all-important social interaction which you need.

• Look after your mind – Being stuck at home because of isolation or loss of a job can make people sluggish and this, in turn, can cause mental disorders as well as increased substance use. Anxiety and fear, and depression are some of the major issues faced by people. However, following a few simple steps can protect you from adverse mental reactions to the situation, such as:
• Have a set routine daily.
• Keep engaged with family, friends, and work colleagues. It is now easier than ever to talk to people using technology.
• Reduce the amount of news you listen to which can cause you anxiety or fear.
• Limit your alcohol use, and don’t start using it, if you haven’t used it before. The effects of alcohol and drugs could prevent you from taking proper precautions against the virus.
• Reduce screen time and time spent playing video games, as these could cause behavioral problems and other adverse mental issues.
• Be positive on social media and don’t fall prey to misinformation.
• Offer help to others who may need it if you are able to.
• If you are already suffering from a mental illness, make sure that you take your medications regularly and on time, and that you keep in close contact with your mental health doctor or clinic on a regular basis.
• Pay a lot more attention to children and discuss the situation with them. Support them as they will have to make huge changes in their lives as well during this time.

• Eat a healthy diet – A healthy and nutritious diet is an important factor in protecting yourself against COVID-19. It helps support the immune system and staying healthy can affect your mental health in a good way.

In general, if you feel that you are going through unusual bouts of depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, and fear during this COVID-19 pandemic, then it is best to seek help immediately. Get in touch with a doctor or clinic that provides services in mental health in Mr. Gravatt or anywhere close to you as soon as possible.