Coronavirus and mental health
COVID-19 has spread its jaws of terror across the whole world. There has been a surge in the tension everywhere. It affects the world population at large, and there are many adverse effects of the pandemic. The daily activities have been hampered because of the lockdown. Quarantine has resulted in abandonment, detachment, misery. Self anguish and the tendency of having suicidal thoughts have also been noticed. Drug abuse and alcoholism are on the rise. Mainly adults and people with physical ailments have been heavily affected. In these difficult times, people have to stay strong and look after their mental health as well. Family or professional help would be welcome in this regard.
Coronavirus live updates
The deadly virus has affected approximately 11.4 million people worldwide, out of which 6.16 million have recovered. The number of deaths has surpassed 534 thousand. The USA is reported to have the highest number of coronavirus cases, which is 2.93 million, out of which 132 thousand people have died, and 879 thousand have recovered.
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Affects of coronavirus on mental health
The coronavirus pandemic affects not only the physical health but also the mental well being of the people. They are suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, hypertension, and insomnia. The challenges which people are facing during coronavirus is as follows:
Anxiety: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety due to which the majority of American people are affected. The people are panicking, consuming different medicines to prevent infection. They are checking the daily news and getting more unsettled. People need to relax their mind and should not let themselves feel uneasy. The anxiety will be stressful and will diminish the thinking power and energy.
Depression: Lockdown and isolation are difficult for those people who are suffering from depression. The fear of the lockdown extension and isolation may let the people be more depressed. People overthink while sitting alone and may look forward to attempting suicide due to depression. The isolation mainly looks forward to protecting people from not being infected with the coronavirus disease. One must talk to their family and friends, which will divert their minds and cope with depression.
Coronavirus & OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that is a combined stage of depression and compulsions. Obsession is an idea that continually meddles on a person's mind. Compulsion or obsession is an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way to get an obsession in control. In these challenging times, when CDC and WHO say that wash your hands regularly, for OCD patients. It is very difficult because they can be obsessed with cleanliness and want everything perfect and tidy, so they will not only wash but also rub their hands harshly.
Coronavirus and Substance Abuse Disorder: - Substance Abuse Disorder is an addictive disorder. Addiction to substances like alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, etc. comes under substance abuse disorder, which will affect both the person's thoughts and behavior. When the majority of liquor and cigarette shops are closed at the time of lockdown, people affected by the substance abuse disorder are facing higher chances of relapse. In isolation, they can recover from their SAD disease. Family and friends should support those people and help them overcome it.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is durable psychological disarray of malfunction in the relation between notion, sentiment, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, abolition from actuality, and unique relationships into speculation and misconception. In this type of mental illness, people regularly have suicidal thoughts. The situation can become worse for them. Self-help and a great support system can help to reorganize them. Enough sleep and regular exercise also help in this aspect.
How to help people with mental health conditions?
The people suffering from mental health conditions have to stay in isolation during these hard times. They should be dealt with care and affection, and their problems must be solved. Precautions must be taken so that their situation doesn't become worse. Medical or professional help would be of utmost help in this regard.