The covid-19 pandemic had a severe effect on the mental health of people. Most serious psychological effects include anger, loneliness, confusion, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Stress and anxiety among people mainly increased due to social distancing during the lockdown. People isolated themselves, and it caused loneliness.

People with mental health issues are more vulnerable to the infections such as pneumonia. It was stated in the report of the hospital in Ohan, China. People already suffering from mental health are at increased risk of stress from a pandemic of Covid-19. Coronavirus increases the risks and chances of more severe complications.

Patients already who have mental illness are at higher risk of severe ailments like cognitive impairment. Little awareness about society and the disease, lack of personal protection, and lack of treatment can cause biological problems. Patients suffering from these conditions can take anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant medications.

Take care of not taking clozapine. Clozapine can worsen the Covid-19 patient’s disease as this medicine is associated with increasing pneumonia.

Quarantine Restrictions and Mental Health

Quarantine rules disturb the mental wellbeing of people and increase the rate of psychiatric symptoms, stress, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It affected not only mental health but also physical health.

Lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet caused an increased rate of cardiovascular risks. Many people bought packed products instead of fresh ones, and it caused weight gain and less intake of antioxidants.

Reduced physical activity causes oxidative stress in the cells. It can lead to vascular inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. People did not care about their health, and it deteriorated their health.

During the lockdown, the depression rate increased four times. A survey analyzed people’s health and used the online mode to detect mental conditions of people. According to the survey, the depression rate in May increased 457% compared to the depression rate in January.

Isolation caused an increased rate of depression and anxiety. Also, the thought of wasting time caused concern. Symptoms of depressive disorder and anxiety disorder increased mainly in April-June of 2020.

A survey was conducted to assess the health of the people. Almost 40.9 % of adults reported at least one mental condition like depressive disorder or stressor-related disorder symptoms. The suicidal rate also increased among adults of the age of 18-24. Many efforts are made to help people who have a mental illness.

Due to Covid-19 fast spread, Government announced the lockdown and isolation in the home. As a result, people lost their job for not going to offices. People lost their jobs, and it caused anxiety among the people.

People with poor mental health used the drugs to cope with the stress due to Covid-19. Increased use of drugs destroyed the health of people. Mental health conditions affect people of all ages and gender. Unpaid caregivers suffered a lot in the pandemic. They have an increased chance of mental illness as compared to the others.

Keypoints of Survey of Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health

  • Stress disorders like Post-traumatic stress disorder, Adjustment disorder, and acute stress disorder can be caused due to Covid-19 pandemic’s stress.
  • Unpaid caregivers for adults are at higher risk of mental disorders.

Unpaid caregivers are defined as the persons who provide unpaid care services to adults older than 18. Their work is to take care of the people, assist them in their household chores, personal needs, manage the sufferer’s finances, take them to doctors, and do other essential tasks. Unpaid adult caregivers’ data was self-reported.

  • Data of essential workers were also self-reported. Students who don’t work are not included in the category of basic workers.

The need for digital mental health services and mental health support raised due to poorer mental health.

Effects of Pandemic on Women’s Mental Health

This pandemic has negatively affected women’s health. It is just because women take more stress than males. This stress ratio is 67% in females than males.

About 85% percent of females are more concerned about the economic wellbeing of the family. They feel that they are failing in controlling the financial crises. In contrast, it is not such a big problem. Controlling the extra expenses is the best solution.

Expert’s Insight About Covid-19 Pandemic Effect on Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a set of new challenges. It has been a time filled with loss and uncertainty. From health concerns to social isolation, our ways have rapidly changed. Many of us are struggling to adjust.

Gustavo Prez, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and mental health professional, says that It is particularly tough for people already working hard and struggling for food and basic living.

Covid-19 created a new level of anxiety, hopelessness, and loneliness. Research shows that if you want to decrease depression, show gratitude and focus on it. Appreciation provides a sense of hope. Exercise is another way to lessen anxiety and depression. For severe cases, a mental health treatment plan is needed.

The covid-19 pandemic affected many people. Due to this virus, people are worried about their health, finances, and the future. The Head becomes overloaded with the thought process, and it affects the health badly causing psychological distress.

People already suffering from chronic mental health conditions suffered double. In a lockdown, people took the help of a therapist to deal with this situation. It helped them to cope with the stress and the anxiety. Counselors listen to the patient’s questions with full devotion and try to answer their questions considerably.

Counselors should be in the school and other institutions to help the people. A good listener is much necessary to solve harmful situations. Covid 19 has brought unprecedented public health challenges. It had destroyed the world economy. More and more people should be trained and educated about this illness and how to cope with the stress caused by the coronavirus.

Ways to Overcome the Stress Caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic

Stress due to Covid-19 can cause the following

  • Feeling of sadness, fear, anger, worry, and frustration.
  • Physical reactions such as aches, body pains, stomach disorders, headaches, and skin rashes.
  • Changes in desires, energy, appetite, and interests.
  • Deterioration of mental health conditions.
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and other things.
  • Difficulty in sleeping and changing sleep patterns.

Following are the ways to cope with the stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Covid-19

1. Body Care

Try to eat healthy meals and exercise regularly. In addition, avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. Live healthily, eat nutritious foods to fuel your body, and rest as often as possible. Exercise both mentally and physically will help you be more productive at work or school, even if it’s just for five minutes a day!

2. Make Connections With the Family and Friends

Try to communicate with people and enjoy your life freely. This life is short; try to enjoy it fully. Give time to others, listen to their problems and try to solve them. Help other people and give them a helping hand.

Help your family members in their work and try to bring smiles to the people’s faces. It will get a huge comfort to others and also you will feel great.

People will feel comfortable with you and will also help you in your works. Phone calls and messages can also help to feel less lonely and isolated. Have good communication skills and bring a positive approach to your life and other’s life. It’s great for mental health care and dealing with mental health problems.

3. Call Health Care Providers

If it is difficult to cope with the stress, you can also call your health care specialist. They are specialized in their field and know how to deal with patients. Psychologists are the best choice. They take long sessions with the patients, and also feel comfortable with them and share their problems.

4. Take a Break From Listening to Sad Stories

Do not listen to too much sad and shocking news. It can affect mental health badly. Yes! It is essential to listen to the news, but listening to too many sad stories can impact mental health.

Disconnect yourself from TV, social media, newspaper, and radio for some time and focus mainly on your health. Exercise regularly and take a deep breath for peace. Busy yourself in healthy and engaging activities to improve mental health.

Take part in sports and maintain a healthy weight. It will help you a lot in coping with stress. Connect with the community and other organizations.

Conclusion

Quarantine and isolating rules offered by the Australian government negatively affected the mental and physical health of the people. People lost their jobs and their ways of income. It generated a wave of despair, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

As mental health is disturbed, physical fitness is also affected. People became lazy in the lockdown, and it caused an increased ratio of cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. Special thanks to the psychologist and another health professional who worked a lot for the people’s health.