The psychological consequences of a large-scale catastrophe like the COVID -19 pandemic can be long-lasting. It has presented a severe threat to mental health worldwide. During the post-pandemic phase, the prevalence of common health concerns is predicted to climb.
A few studies have recently been published that suggests the presence of an emotional curve, which describes the high likelihood of an increase in mental health cases as we go into the post-COVID-19 period. It has been revealed that there is an increase in mental health problems, primarily among the populace around the world who require mental health intervention.
Here are some of the factors that contributed to the rise in mental health cases during the pandemic.
Quarantine and Social Distancing
COVID-19 economic recession
Stigma against HCP ( Healthcare providers)
Recovery after getting COVID-19
Overworked frontliners ( HCP)
Death of a loved ones.
However, the pandemic has brought to light so many challenges that it has become the most pressing concern in the most sectors of our community, resulting in an increase in mental health issues among the general population.
Health
The pandemic has brought to light, albeit in a painful way, the importance of healthcare professionals in ensuring a healthy, productive society, as well as the necessity for continuing innovation and access to important healthcare services. While there is still a lot of uncertainty, it is clear that the health industry has an opportunity, as well as responsibility, to adapt to a new health ecosystem and find ways to become more agile with everything, including the impact of going virtual from traditional ways of communication, which includes consultations. As hospitals remain overburdened, with many cancelling non - essential procedures, the importance of self-care will increase.
Education
Distance learning has been forced into the limelight by COVID-19. While there are numerous benefits to distance learning, there are also some evident drawbacks. It can be highly didactic and isolating when students simply browse through presentations and read papers online. When distance learning is heavily emphasized, people who fall behind may find themselves falling further behind. While educators are also dealing with the pandemic, they must ensure that learning continues and that they focus more on assisting kids who are grappling with the effects of COVID-19. It's a lot to take in, having an emotional stability and support is essential.
It will take sometime to adjust to circumstances; we've been living in fear and uncertainty for almost two years, and some people have been hit particularly hard, causing them to become emotionally unstable and even un favored leading to the development of mental illness.
There is still optimism in the midst of difficulties. Apart from complying with all directives issued by the government, there are a few things we may do to relieve ourselves of the emotional burden of the pandemic and go forward.
Embrace what has become our new normal. Change is not easy for everyone, however it is necessary. If you don't change , you grow stagnant, stale, and often miss opportunity for growth. So embrace it and make the most of the time and opportunities granted.
Learn. Learn new ways of coping, new ways of seeing very complex situation that impacts us all. For example, learning a new hobby, such as crocheting, drawing, painting, or evening gardening.
Be gracious and kind. Everyone is stressed. Everyone is feeling the burden. Everyone is inconvenienced. Being kind and gracious lowers stress, lower hostilities, lowers your blood pressure and ultimately makes you feel better about yourself.
Remember the "golden rule". Do to others what would you want done for you. Being stubborn, angry or upset at the system or simply because you cannot have your way does not change the situation but Love can. Love will make you healthier and happier in the long run. Love your neighbor as yourself.
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