The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Surge in Mental Health Problems

Mental health cases are on a rise in my clinic. And it’s not only in my clinic. Doctors from all over the world are reporting a historic rise in mental health issues. The wave of mental health disorder is spreading far and fast.

Research says about 1 in 5 diagnosed with COVID-19 is now battling mental health. 

This came from researchers at the University of Oxford. COVID patients are more susceptible to mental issues. Many reported anxiety, depression or insomnia within 14-90 days of battling COVID. 

This pandemic has dragged us all through mental trauma. Isolation, lockdown, insecurity and uncertainty of the future have cast a shadow of fear and anxiety. Domestic violence and drug abuse have also seen a spike. The rise in mental health cases was expected, but the magnitude is unprecedented. 

Risk of mental health issues in COVID-19 

The relationship between mental illness and COVID-19 is bidirectional. This means people with a psychiatric diagnosis are more vulnerable to COVID-19. And patients recovering from COVID-19 are more likely to report mental health issues.

The research revealed COVID patients are twice more likely to suffer from mental health issues. This is in comparison to someone who had flu or other health issues. Also, patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had an even higher risk of psychiatric diagnosis.

Researchers also noted an increased risk of dementia in patients recovering from COVID-19. COVID-19 patients reported sleep problems and distressing dreams after recovery. They describe persistent foggy minds and memory problems.

COVID patients also complained of neuropsychological problems months after recovery. This includes headache, dizziness, loss of smell and taste, mood disorders and cognitive impairment. About 30 to 50% of COVID patients had such clinical manifestations. 

I counselled many COVID-19 patients for their mental issues. And one thing I tell them all is to hope for a slow and gradual improvement. In most cases, the post-traumatic symptoms of COVID-19 will subside.

The COVID cloud hovering over our Mental health 

It’s not just COVID patients suffering from mental health issues.

The outbreak of this pandemic has triggered complex mental health reactions. 

Fear, worry, stress and anxiety are normal human responses to threats. 

But this pandemic has unleashed the pandora’s box. 

In addition to the fear for corona, other stressors are also adding to the emotional burden. Unemployment, abuse, isolation, alcohol use, domestic violence, economic breakdown, debt. All of these have seen a surge. Thus, resulting in a bolting rise in anxiety, depression, suicides and substance use. 

The sudden change in routine is also a big stressor. Work from home turned out to be a big challenge, especially for women. Home-schooling is another trauma. Families are struggling to stick together in this tough time.

Here is A survey conducted by the Indian Psychiatry Society. Within a week of lockdown, the number of reported cases of mental illness in India had risen by 20%. 

Also Read: Work from Home and the woes of womanhood

The rise of Mental health disorders

Coping with Stress in the time of Coronavirus

Most patients visiting my clinic these days complain of stress.

The pandemic is affecting almost every sphere of life. Some complaint of work stress and some relationship stress. Women are overburdened with managing work and home. Children too are expressing distress behaviour for the uncertainty of their future. 

Social distancing too has elevated the levels of distress!

This has triggered unhealthy eating and an unhealthy lifestyle. The physical symptoms often manifest in the form of indigestion, sleeplessness, weight gain, body ache and heart palpitations. Stress-related chronic disorders have also seen a rise.

Here are my 10 step guidelines for people struggling with stress

• Acknowledge your feelings and take proper measures to control your mind.
• Practice Yoga, Pranayama and Mindful meditation.
• Do not compromise on your sleep. 
• Try Aromatherapy and Abhyanga.
• Read a book or take up a hobby.
• Avoid hateful or negative news.
• Make some me-time.
• Exercise regularly. 
• Stay connected.
• Seek help.

Also Read: Homesickness in the time of coronavirus

Anxiety disorders

The outbreak of this pandemic has clenched us all in fear. With the rising uncertainty and insecurity, feeling anxious is a normal reaction. But for some, it’s more than normal anxiety. Their life came to a standstill immobilized by fear and anxiety.

The insecurity about the future, fear of death and job loss has resulted in frustration. Separation from family, home quarantine and isolation also has raised the levels of anxiety. 

Another major trigger for anxiety is the absence of medical aid like before. Also, patients already suffering from mental anxiety are going through the worst time. 

Here’s what I suggest to my patients 

• Distance yourself from media and negative news and limit your screen time.
• Ignorance can be a major trigger for anxiety. So, be informed and be aware.
• Make an effort to be informed about the emergency doctors availability.
• Practice Pranayama or deep breathing whenever you feel anxious.
• Don’t be too strict on yourself or the kids with the rules.
• Take care of your emotional health. 
• Go outside whenever possible.
• Sleep early and eat healthily.

Depression

Another mental health issue that has soared is depression. Blame the breakout of this pandemic that has jolted our normal lives. Social isolation, economic hardships, exposure to other stressors are some of the major reasons for depression. 

Increased marital problems in this COVID time has also contributed greatly to the rising numbers. Teens and elders are also showing depressive symptoms resulting from hopelessness. 

The uncertainty brought by the COVID virus is the major reason for depression.

I marked a rise in patients reporting low energy, insomnia, weight loss, poor mood, guilt, and even self-harm ideas. So, here is what I suggest to people with depression or a tendency of being depressive –

• Add mindful meditation, smile meditation and walk meditation to your routine.
• Increased use of gadgets, especially Facebook is a known cause of depression.
• Get in touch with people who make you feel positive. 
• Hugs and kisses work as natural anti-depressants.
• Exercising releases anti-depressing hormones.
• Delayed sleep timing can result in depression. 
• Get out of the house and take a little detour.
• Eat foods that are anti-depressing.
• Try writing therapy to unwind your mind. 
• Seek natural remedies from Ayurveda.

Also Read: How to survive isolation in the times of coronavirus?

Paranoia

The constant fear of death has resulted in paranoia. People are living in constant fear of losing their lives and losing their loved ones. Some are refusing to step out of home and some are imposing the same rules on their family. This has resulted in a whole new range of issues.

Paranoia is especially high in patients who recovered from COVID-19. It is also seen in family members of COVID patients. They underwent the trauma of battling the stigma associated with COVID-19. And hence the repercussions.

How to fight paranoia caused by COVID-19?

• Keep yourself busy and engaged to keep the negative thoughts at bay.
• Avoid the topic of COVID-19 in your general discussions and debates.
• Practice meditation to keep your mind under control.
• Be physically active as it releases happy hormones.
• Avoid alcohol.

Also read: Coping with the panic of coronavirus

Patients with OCD 

Patients with OCD issues are having the worst times of their life. Recently my patient with OCD called me complaining of all the symptoms getting aggravated. She was losing her mind thinking the virus could be all around. 

The outbreak has made hygiene the utmost important thing in these times. This means constantly washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer. Which also means that you need to be constantly thinking about the virus situation!

Such behaviour can worsen the worries of people with OCD. It’s a whole another level of paranoia. They become extremely troubled and anxious about stepping out. This has increased the levels of stress and anxiety. 

Also Read: Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus

How to control your OCD urges?

• Stay informed.
• Go for a digital detox.
• Take precautions but not obsessively.
• Breath and ease up.
• Get restful sleep.

Destigmatizing mental health issues in the COVID world

COVID-19 is not only a physical risk. It has resulted in a range of physical, emotional and psychological distress. These issues are not only impacting COVID-19 patients but people in general. 

People of all ages and genders are impacted mentally by this outbreak. 

Mental health issues were already on the rise and the pandemic seemed to fuel the fire. But to see the positive side, I would say that COVID-19 has also helped in destigmatizing mental health issues. 

People are now more aware and open about their mental health. The inhabitations are dropped. Mental health issues are no more seen as a sign of weakness. They are more comfortable seeking help.

And that’s like a flower blooming from the storm!

So, take care of your mental health by strengthening your emotional immunity. Eat right and sleep well and stay close to an Ayurvedic lifestyle until the pandemic is over. This is what most doctors are advising.