Mental Health
Are We Ready for a Mental Illness Pandemic After…
This is the first time that the world is faced with such a bio-hazardous enemy that is the Covid-19. Nobody is ready, not even the first world countries. They are the ones hit the most. But it is predicted that after the Covid-19, another outbreak will occur–the mental illness pandemic. Why is it happening? Are we ready for it?
The Mental Illness Pandemic
Covid-19 has affected everyone all over the world–nobody is exempted. Rich or poor, popular or not, and the middle class have not been spared. Many people have been infected and a big percentage of the patients have died. The fatalities even include doctors and nurses–the first responders to the scene of emergencies all over the world.
As of this writing, the world tally of deaths due to Covid-19 is already 147,000. These are recorded deaths, with the highest number in the United States. But I believe there are lots more that have been unrecorded.
Why Mental Issues Are Going to be a Problem
The dean at Boston University’s School of Public Health says the isolation as well as the uncertainty of the times contribute to increased anxiety for the public.
Sandro Galea says that social isolation could lead to a range of mental health issues as people face the prospect of living under the current COVID-19 restrictions.
“We humans are ultimately social. We’re social creatures and we do need interaction — physical and social,” he said.
In British Columbia, it was announced that physical distancing orders would continue until May. It seems that only introverts are happy with this announcement.
Reasons For Mental Breakdown
Here are the possible reasons for the mental illness pandemic, with anxiety topping the list:
- Lack of social interaction
- Limited mobility and change of scenery
- Worry about getting infected and hospitalized
- Fear of dying and leaving loved ones behind
- Fear of not being able to see family once you get sick
- Worry about finances, loss of income or business
- Concern about other people who are spreading the Covid-19 because of their carelessness
Ryan Phillips, a former professional hockey player in Vancouver, has noticed the impacts of Covid-19 on his own mental health. He has suffered multiple concussions in his career and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder years ago.
“My whole routine has been pretty much kind of thrown off due to this isolation mode,” he said. “It’s almost like COVID-19 is playing a lot of mind games with a lot of people with millions of people around the world.”
How to Work for Mental Well-Being
We should really work hard to keep our sanity in the midst of the Covid-19 threat as well as the community quarantine imposed by the government.
It is time to find joy in ourselves and not rely on outside factors.
But if you need to relax, you can read a book, watch TV, or find a new hobby. You may also want to clean your home or re-arrange furniture. For many people, cooking is their go-to place. There is nothing like the aroma and taste of good food to keep the spirits up.
However, if you are already diagnosed with a mental condition like anxiety or major depressive disorder, you should keep taking your maintenance medication. Additionally, keep in contact with your psychiatrist, so that you can share your concerns and worries.
Keep Important Numbers Ready
Please take care of your body. Stay healthy, but don’t forget your mind. Keep those important phone numbers ready, in case you need help.
Philippine Suicide Hotlines
Manila Lifeline Centre
Contact by: – Phone
Hotline: (02) 8969191
Hotline: Mobile phone: 0917 854 9191 | www.suicide.org
Sleep Well
One of the manifestations of a mental breakdown is sleeplessness. Having sleepless nights will result to too many worrisome ideas. Your head will keep on churning negative thoughts that will lead to negative emotions.
And the next day, you get cranky. Continuous sleeplessness will make you feel tensed, stressed, and easily angered. It could also lead to depression. If your insomnia is getting out of hand, take sleeping aids like melatonin. It’s safe and is readily available everywhere.
In Bacolod City, you can buy melatonin at Healthy Options. They are located at the ground floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
