Health experts hint at spike in mental illness cases post-Covid era

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 10

The aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic is likely to experience a wave of psychiatric illnesses. The pandemic has impacted the mental well-being of all rungs of people be it, general public, Covid survivors, people who have been in quarantine/isolation, doctors and healthcare workers, paramedical staff, police personnel etc.

Prof Rupesh Chaudhary, Department of Psychiatry, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), says, “The long-term impact of quarantine period brings anxiety, anger problems, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, alcohol abuse, and behavioural changes such as avoiding crowded places and cautious hand washing. These psychological symptoms can trigger the onset of psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias etc. as a consequence, to the fear of virus contamination/infection. Social distancing leads to substantial increase in loneliness, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, child abuse and substance abuse problems”, Dr Chaudhary adds.

1 of 5 covid survivors in depression, anxiety

Prof Rupesh Chaudhary, Department of Psychiatry, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), highlighted that research all over the world has suggested that 1 out of 5 Covid survivors are being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and insomnia for the first time within 90 days of infection which is a significant issue that should be meticulously taken into consideration in the long-term management and outcome of this infection. Persistent and significant levels of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently encountered.

He highlighted that research all over the world has suggested that 1 out of 5 Covid survivors are being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and insomnia for the first time within 90 days of infection which is a significant issue that should be meticulously taken into consideration in the long-term management and outcome of this infection. Persistent and significant levels of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently encountered.

The problem of brain fogging is seen as a common after effect of Covid which causes forgetfulness, confusion, impaired attention and memory. People are unable resume their employment and hence, face financial crisis which becomes another risk factor for the impending psychiatric disorder in such people. With people forced to stay home, away from families and friends, and facing financial troubles, the coronavirus pandemic is causing psychological distress for millions of people in much obvious ways.

According to Dr Chaudhary, the quality of life is considerably affected following the infection not only due to the physical effects of the illness like chronic fatigue/malaise but also due to social stigmatisation of the patient, isolation/abandonment of the family by the community, mental health effects like anxiety, fear of re-infection or spread of infection to family and friends etc.

Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, DMCH, claims “We are experiencing an upsurge in the cases of anxiety, depression in recovery period of Covid survivors in our psychiatry OPD of DMCH. OCD has become markedly noticeable as people become obsessed with fear of contamination, excessive worries and apprehensions of being reinfected or becoming a source of spread of infection among their loved ones”, Dr Chaudhary added.

“Psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia are likely to persist in up to 60 per cent among physicians, nurses and medical residents due to Covid-19 pandemic. Stigma against healthcare workers and survivors of the infection has resulted in harassment, discrimination and social isolation,” he added.

Dr Chaudhary added, “Some of the essentials for good mental health includes keeping calm, following the precautions diligently, developing a positive attitude, having a balanced diet and a good sleep, doing some physical activity, not drinking or smoking, maintaining digital connections with friends, trying to get back to routine life and keeping yourself busy despite some physical health concerns, of course”.

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