Demand for mental health experts in Covid hospitals

“Counseling makes a lot of difference as a person fighting Covid needs constant motivation and monitoring. Besides, engagement in pastimes and talks with friends relieves stress”. A patient

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 25

The suicide by a 54-year-old Covid 19 positive patient in Deen Dyal Upadhyay Hospital on Thursday has once again triggered the demand for deputing mental health experts in Covid hospitals.

“Counseling makes a lot of difference as a person fighting Covid needs constant motivation and monitoring. Besides, engagement in pastimes and talks with friends relieves stress”, says a patient who recovered from Covid 19 recently.

The stigma attached with Covid and the risk involved isolates the patient even from family members which causes depression and stirs suicidal tendencies, he said and added that the feeling of being left out, isolated or not being attended to can escalate tension among such patients.

In a memorandum to Health Minister Dr Rajiv Saizal, state secretariat member CPM Dr Kuldip Singh Tanwar suggested deployment of mental health specialists and counselors in isolation, quarantine and Covid care centres, constitution of psycho-social support teams, strengthening mental health care system and undertaking state wide awareness campaign to cope up with stress, depression and suicide ideation can help in these times of crises.

Pointing out that the front line workers like doctors are also becoming victim of stress and anxiety, he said that the CPM is ready to support all the pro-people decisions of the government in this regard. There has been a spurt in suicide cases during the ongoing pandemic and 466 suicide cases have been reported this year till July 31 out of which 302 suicides were reported in May, June and July. The increase in the suicide cases is being attributed to the growing stress in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic and homemakers top the list, followed by labourers, students, private sector employees, farmers and businessmen says experts.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent at a mental health and rehabilitation hospital, Boileauganj, Dr Sanjay Pathak said that stress levels were increasing and 24/7 helpline – 104 is in place for counseling of patients, including Covid positive patients. Intervention is needed at two points – when the patient tests positive for Covid and when he feels low during the treatment period and motivational videos and webinars by mental health experts can also help, he added.