The impact on mental health can continue to be seen after the passing of a pandemic. Stress caused by extremely high demands in the workplace and long working hours.Stigmatisation due to working with COVID-19 patients.Fear of infecting loved ones and falling ill themselves.Experience feelings of helplessness, boredom, loneliness and depression due to being isolatedįrontline workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ambulance drivers etc.) may also experience additional stressors such as:.Fear being separated from loved ones, losing loved ones and feel powerless in protecting them.Feel stressed or worried when exhibiting symptoms of common illnesses, which can be mistaken for those of COVID-19.Feel stressed or worried about becoming ill, due to the contagious nature of the virus and the 14-day incubation period.137-44Īccording to the United Nations’ Inter-Agency Standing Committee, during the current COVID-19 quarantine people may : International journal of emergency mental health. Preparing for pandemic influenza and its aftermath: Mental health issues considered. * Douglas, Pamela & Douglas, David & Harrigan, Daniel & Douglas, Kathleen. Emotional distress is common both during quarantine and the period that follows* Prolonged periods of social isolation can therefore negatively impact an individual’s mental health leading to depression and emotional distress.Įven in cases where an individual can self-isolate with others, the feelings of lack of control, isolation and ‘cabin fever’ can be powerful. Studies have found that humans require frequent social contact to stay happy and healthy – this need intensifies during crisis events. How can a pandemic affect people’s mental health?ĭuring a pandemic it may be necessary for an individual to have prolonged or intermittent periods of isolation to protect themselves from transmission of a virus or disease. In WHO’s constitution, it is clear that mental health is an integral part of people’s overall health and therefore it is important to not only address the needs of individuals with defined mental disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, bipolar disorder and psychosis), but also to safeguard and promote the mental health of all people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.
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