So we are as afraid of killer corona as from other killer diseases. What concerns us most from the corona pandemic is the the self-imposed house arrest. We, the elderly people, are especially advised not to leave our home and should strictly observe self-house arrest.
Latest studies have fund that home isolation is leading to severe depression and anxiety. Honestly speaking, as I and my wife have been almost in self house arrest since March, 2020; we both feel highly depressed and I am afraid this may lead to further health complications. And we find young people more prone to depression and anxiety.
A new study has found that depression symptoms are three times higher during the corona lock down and corona pandemic is a traumatic event of a much larger scale. It has caused physical, emotional, and psychological distress, and not just for patients of the virus but among others also.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed survey data from 1,441 participants, all U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. It found that depression symptoms were three times higher during corona lock down than before the pandemic, up from 8.5 percent before corona to 27.8 percent during lock downs.
Studies say as we keep our faces covered, wash our hands, and maintain social distancing (stay 6 feet apart from everyone, including our loved ones) we haven't realized how the pandemic and quarantine has chipped away at our mental health. Interestingly, young people are more prone to depression during lock downs. One in 2 youngsters were prone to experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, with over 17% suffering due to the consequent impact of corona, according to a recent global health survey done by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
According to the survey's reports, individuals recorded more than one cause for a surge in mental health problems. For the younger ones, a shift in means of education and apparent uncertainty made them prone to experiencing anxiety. Months-long pandemic ensured that from schools, colleges, workplaces and recreational centers, everything was closed down. Many students were left in the loom regarding their higher education and had to cope with the perils of online classes and exams.
For those in their 20s and 30s, job crunches, losses added to problems of worry. Working from home, extended working hours, coupled with additional responsibilities drove many to experience symptoms of burnout as well, a serious mental health crisis.
The ILO study has pointed out that if the challenges aren't dealt with, the world might face an unprecedented health crisis even after the pandemic ends, which can impact the quality of life and could further deteriorate factors which contribute to well- being.
Unfortunately, developing countries like India are quite slow in extending telemedicine or teletherapy to overcome disruptions as against more than 80% of high-income countries deploying telemedicine and teletherapy to bridge gaps in mental health.
WHO has issued guidelines to countries on how to maintain essential services ̶ including mental health services ̶ during corona and recommends that countries allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of their response and recovery plans. The Organization also urges countries to monitor changes and disruptions in services so that they can address them as required.
India is yet to respond quickly and address this problem.
(Chander Sharma)
No comments:
Post a Comment