The COVID-19 pandemic will result in mass unemployment, starvation, increase in gender based violence, loans and debts, financial difficulties, alcoholism, homelessness and slipping millions into poverty. The post-Covid times will show is sharp rise in mental health problems, stress, depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol dependence, and suicide or self-harm. While the virus continues to kill many across the world, there is a new public health crisis that is rearing its ugly head. This mental health crisis may perhaps unleash more despair and death than the Covid-19 itself.
Looking at the history of pandemics, and the aftermath effects of an inevitable economic downfall, suicide related deaths shall be a key indicator of mental health crisis in the country.Increased mental health issues would also lead to an overall rise in morbidity, and number of disability-adjusted life years.
The populations at risk include covid-19 survivors, frontline doctors and paramedics, young people, those with pre-existing psychiatric problems, workers in unorganised sector, and the elderly.
For a country like India with the grinding poverty and malnourishment, and prevalent depression and anxiety disorders, covid-19 is the perfect storm.
As the country introduce strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of infection, many of us are making drastic changes to our daily routines.
Fortunately, there are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental health and to help others.
Here are tips and advice that we hope you will find useful during the covid times.
Keep informed Follow the advice and recommendations from your govt. and local authorities. Follow trusted news channels.
Follow healthy routine
Fixed waking and sleep timings.
Healthy meals and regular timings.
Moderate & regular exercise.
Adequate resting and spending time in recreational activities.
Minimize newsfeeds Try to reduce the use of media, whats app feeds, or listening to news that makes you feel anxious. Seek the latest information only at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if required.
Keeping Social is important Be in regular contact with people close to you via telephone and online channels.
Alcohol use and smoking Restrict the amount of alcohol you drink or best would be to avoid alcohol at all. Avoid smoking and using drugs as a way of dealing with stress, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.
Screen time Limit the time you spend in front of a screen every day. Ensure that you take breaks from on-screen activities at regular intervals.
Social media Be aware of misinformation circulating on social media. Use it to promote positive and hopeful stories.
Help others If you are able to, offer help to people in your locality who may need it, such as helping them with food supplies and groceries.
Fear and anxiety are normal emotions in situations of uncertainty. But sometimes they are expressed in ways which can hurt other people.Be kind. Do not discriminate against people who you think may have coronavirus, health care workers, and do not attribute it to any specific group.
Dr. Pankaj Borade (M.D.Psychiatry) is a psychiatrist in Pune. He is a consultant at Mind Matters clinic and Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune City. More articles or information can be found at our website or on our Facebook page. Contact at pankajborade@onlymindmatters.com
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