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How to cope with Mental Health during Isolation According to the World Health Organization, the novel coronavirus as Sars-Cov-2 and the disease it causes as COVID-19 -19 when expanded The CO expands to corona, the VI for virus and the D for the disease. During periods of a pandemic, it is highly important to concentrate on not just physical well-being but also to make sure that the emotional safety and well-being of individuals that are affected by the epidemic are taken into consideration and made aware of it. The rise of the COVID-19 has led to a number of precautionary measures such as quarantines, social distancing and in some cases total lockdown in regions or countries around the world. Loneliness and social alienation can have a serious effect on the mental health of many in various socio-economic classes. Anxiety, apathy, and boredom are some mental health consequences of isolation and can be observed to exist long after the pandemic stops, whereas heightened feelings of distress and tension can have a serious effect on mental health particularly in this period of instability. We interviewed two psychotherapists/ psychologists who are inclusive and intersectional therapists who believe in contextualising mental health to get a better understanding of isolation and mental health.
Excerpts From A Conversation With Sumaya Baba Could the COVID19 be a looming psychological impact? The unprecedented extent of the pandemic will have consequences which the world will have to recover from over time, whether it is the economic and financial disruption or psychological impact on humankind. Our mental health is influenced by the environment we are in and in the case of COVID19 until the vaccination is developed, the fear of contracting the virus may be anxiety provoking. There is bound to be chaos in our psyche when we can no longer take the safety of our surroundings for granted. For example, even a flu may cause much more stress than usual. Likewise, living away from your parents or children may leave you in a constant state of worry for their safety. Therefore, our psychological resources may be spent recovering from the consequences of a pandemic while simultaneously adapting to the ‘new normal’ in a post COVID19 world. However, while it is important to be prepared for the unfamiliar chaos and uncertainty, it is equally important to believe in one’s capacity to survive this. In the face of social isolation, our effort towards emotional and virtual connection with loved ones may have to increase. Resilience is strengthened when we function as a collective. What impact can long periods of Isolation have on individuals? Isolation when it is not by choice, but a compulsion can prove challenging for many of us. Counterintuitively, prolonged isolation may be more exhausting than going out as it leaves very few activities to occupy our mind. Boredom is an underrated psychological state which in reality can be stressful. Our motivation to work or follow our routine may gradually diminish by staying at home over time and in turn lead us to feeling guilty. Unlike normal circumstances, the period of isolation can open new channels of self knowledge since we spend so 32 MAY, 2020 TULIP
