HOW’S COVID PLAYING ON YOUR “MIND” ? PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID

T he world we currently live in has become a very strange and turbulent place. Coronavirus has transformed everything we thought we knew about our daily lives, our government and our health into a kind of bizarre world where Face -Time dating and panic-buying are the new norm. It’s taking a toll on even the most optimistic of us as we try to stay positive amidst what feels like bleaker and bleaker news each day. Now, imagine how this already unsettling situation feels for the Indian population with mental illness.

Coronavirus Affects the Most Common Mental Illnesses
There are specific concerns and challenges with the coronavirus pandemic for each of the nine most common mental health conditions.

Anxiety and Coronavirus
One of the most common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (a.k.a. GAD), which affects maximum population. While it is normal to worry, those diagnosed with GAD have difficulty controlling worry on more days than not for a period of over six months and have three or more common symptoms: having a persistent sense of impending doom or danger, being irritable and on-edge, rapid breathing, constant trembling, feeling weak or tired, having difficulty concentrating or trouble sleeping, and having an increased heart rate.

Depression and COVID-19
Depression sufferers may have a growing sense of hopelessness or be paralyzed by their fear, leading them to neglect themselves and their health. That grief and sadness is constant and comes with symptoms like exhaustion, trouble sleeping, a shrinking appetite and/or overeating, sudden crying spells Loneliness and fear can also be triggers for suicidal thoughts.

OCD and Coronavirus
People with OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) are able to recognize that their compulsions will not make obsessions go away, but fall victim to them as they appear to be the only way they can cope or escape. Instead of washing their hands for 20 seconds every time they’ve been outside or coughed and sneezed, they may find themselves scrubbing their hands raw under scalding hot water for 20 minutes in an effort to feel “Clean.”

Substance Abuse Disorder and COVID-19
Substance abuse disorder is a disease that affects the brain and behavioural patterns, causing a person to be unable to control their use of addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and prescription medication.

Eating Disorders and Coronavirus
There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. For those with eating disorders, the main concern is around the perceived fear of lack of supplies. Those with an eating disorder may believe they need to hoard food; due to the consistently empty shelves they see at the grocery store.

ADHD and COVID-19
People with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) who are stuck at home during the COVID-19 outbreak have a severe decline in productivity. ADHD patients may forget to wash their hands frequently or find it hard to stay inside.

Bipolar Disorder and Coronavirus
Anxiety and depression, the stress and fear caused by COVID-19 can trigger these abnormal behaviours, specifically manic episodes, which can then be followed (although not always) but very intense depressive episodes.

Schizophrenia and COVID-19
For those suffering from schizophrenia, it creates a very dangerous situation, as their perception of reality can already be warped.

Post-Traumatic Stress and Coronavirus
For anyone who has been exposed to a type of trauma, post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a common condition that can occur. Symptoms of PTS include reliving the event (a.k.a. flashbacks), nightmares, avoiding certain places or activities that remind you of the trauma, paranoia, isolation, and hyperawareness.

What Can You Do To Help A Loved One With Mental Illness Now?
If you know someone with a mental illness, now is the time to step up and make sure you are helping them in whatever way you can. Reach out—be it via video, phone, text, or social media—to check in and be an active part of their support group. Reach out with the intention of letting them know that you are there and wanting to know how they are.

Dr. Shaheen Khan
BUMS, M.D
(Medicine)
Medixpress Super
Speciality Clinic,
101/102, Grime Tower,
above ICICI Bank, SalunkeVihar Road
For appointments call:
9511868552, 8888522226