Coronavirus Effects On Mental Health
Suruchi Chandra Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, BNMU, Madhepura
The country and the world at large are faced with a major health crisis following the outbreak of the covid-19. News of deaths, social alienation , fear and the resultant physiological trauma are indicative of mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicide. The most common emotion by all was fear that make people anxious,scared,and do things what society considers abnormal and inappropriate.
The challenge is posed by the pandemic are severe as it affect the physical and mental health of the people, their finances and social life. Beyond the negative impact of a traditional economic downturn, COVID-19 presents additional challenges- fear from the virus itself, collective grief, prolonged physical distancing and associated social isolation- that will compound the impact of our collective psyche. People with mental disorder may be at a higher risk of COVID-19 due to their social disadvantage such as poor nutrition, overcrowding, stigma, poverty or their inability to follow the public health protective advice like hand hygiene, physical distancing, self isolation etc.
How can we take care of our mental health during this pandemic :-
- Avoid talking about the virus :- Avoid talking about the virus with people who tend to be negative or who reinforce and ramp up our fear. Turn to the people who are thoughtful, level headed and good listeners.
- Take social media break :- Try to avoid excessive exposure to media coverage. Constant monitoring of new updates and social media feeds about COVID-19 can intensify feeling of worry and distress. Consider turning off automatic notification and taking break from the news.
- Look after yourself :- Focusing on things we can control like having good hygiene instead of those we can not (stopping the virus). Where possible, maintain daily routine and normal activities like eating healthy meal, getting enough sleep and doing things that we enjoy. Consider creating a daily routine that priorities our wellbeing and positive mental health.
- Do regular exercise yoga and meditation:- Activities, like taking a walk, meditation and exercise can help us to relax and will have a positive impact on our thoughts and feelings.
- Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking :-Try to focus on things that are positive in our life.
- Stay connected with people :-Keeping in touch with our friends and family may ease the stress caused by COVID-19. Receiving support and Care from others can bring a sense of comfort and stability.