COVID19 and Mental Health: ‘No Space for Individualism,’ Say Doctors

With numbers of those affected by coronavirus increasing in India and a lockdown being announced across states, the virus is not just a physical threat any longer. There are adverse consequences for those battling anxiety, while some feel isolated and scared.

The medical journal Lancet has found that quarantine is linked with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, leading to confusion and anger — with other research suggesting that these effects are long-lasting.

Creation of mass hysteria:

With an increasing consumption of information in terms of accounts of death and panic-inducing visuals, psychologists are suggesting that it could lead to the creation of mass hysteria. While one needs to be cautious and follow guidelines, many are feeling overwhelmed by the influx of information.

These effects are not just a challenge for patients but are becoming equally challenging for mental health professionals who are now resorting to offer help digitally. It has to be noted that for mental health professionals, providing much-needed care while following social distancing guidelines is challenging.

“Different people are responding to this differently, it is based on their coping mechanism. For mental health professionals it is a time to figure out concrete responses that we can offer patients. Looking at the scale and the magnitude of the problem, I feel that is something we will be able to understand in retrospect,” said Vrinda, a therapist from Delhi.

Realising the extent of the crisis, many mental health centers are now offering pro-bono services. They have also launched helplines across states to help patients survive the crisis.

There is also a recognition of the fact that homes are not essentially safe spaces for everyone. Many come from distressing situations and toxic family environments and sometimes leaving is their only escape. With a lockdown in place, many are now having to share spaces with their abusers.

Speaking to NewsClick, Dr. Samir Parikh, the Director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Hospitals, said that doctors “are seeing fears ranging from pre- existing doubts and fears which are being compounded by many triggers amid the coronavirus scare. Patients are raising concerns ranging from isolation, quarantine to existential questions such as – Will I get the illness, will someone I love get the illness etc. It is natural but the fact is that the virus can affect anyone. In a pandemic like this individualism has no place. Collective responsibility lies with everyone aided by altruism,” he added.

What can one do?

Dr. Parikh suggested consuming limited news and engaging in old routines which one practiced pre-isolation as the most effective ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

He added that “we need to convert the feelings of anxiety to positive anxiety that will help us in following the guidelines and maintaining distance, this is the only way we can defeat the virus collectively.”

Doctors have suggested that one should detect symptoms of anxiety early on to avoid panic attacks. The list of suggestions include – acknowledgment of one’s own feelings, using digital means to connect with others, using art, other activities to distract oneself and focusing on things that one can control.