Elderly complaining of anxiety on helpline

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 9

Around 260 calls have been received on the Covid helpline started at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, on March 24. Over three-fourths of the callers have complained of psychological issues like anxiety, sleeplessness and gloominess due to isolation, while the remaining had general enquiries, including Covid-related information.

Drug addicts are also calling the helpline and complaining of withdrawal symptoms. “Because of non-availability of drugs, many addicts are facing withdrawal symptoms. If the symptoms get worse, we ask them to come to the Emergency,” said Dr Sidana.

“We were expecting more calls from drug addicts as we apprehended they would be facing withdrawal symptoms, but not many such persons have contacted us. However, there is one doctor deputed in the Emergency to take care of such patients,” said Dr Preeti Arun.

She said, “Many people are seeking information about Covid-19. Some callers are also reporting behavioural issues as everybody is locked up at home and even small issues end up in quarrels.”

Dr Alisha of the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, said, “Many callers fear they have cold and fever, and they attribute it to Covid. Mostly such kind of calls are received. We suggest screening of these callers after asking for any travel history and other symptoms.”

You can call for any of the following

Unusual stress, feeling low and sad for couple of days, feeling of extreme low and high, excessive fear and worries, disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentrating on routine things, repeated thoughts and acts which you are unable to control, social withdrawal from friends and activities, extreme tiredness without any medical cause, guilt and suicidal thoughts.

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