Role of psychology to fight against COVIDE – 19 Pandemic

What is Mental Health?
A state well being in which the
individual realizes his or her own abilities, copes with the normal stresses of
life, works productively and fruitfully, and makes contributions to the
community. (WHO, 2018)
Mental Health and the COVID-19
(WHO, 2020)
Corona virus induce a considerable
degree of fear, worry and concern in the population at large and among certain
groups in particular, such as older adults, care providers and people with
underlying health conditions.
In public mental health terms, the
main psychological impact to date is elevated rates of stress or anxiety.
Flattening the mental health curve
is the next big corona virus challenge.
When compared to a 2018 survey,
U.S. adults are now eight times more likely to meet the criteria for serious
mental distress.
One-third of Americans report
clinically significant symptoms of anxiety or clinical depression.
Its impact on our mental health may
be deadly too. Some recent projections suggest that deaths stemming from mental
health issues could rival deaths directly due to the virus itself.

Emotional Impact of the Pandemic

Behavioral Changes due to the pandemic

Some have considered feigning
sickness to avoid going to workplaces and educational institute or even
quitting their jobs.
Reduced physical contact and visits
to healthcare facilities.
Canceled major plans.
Washing hands more often and wear
mask.
Panic buying.

Reimagining Mental Health Care

Evidence based therapies (e.i, CBT,
DBT, etc) are largely not available to patients in person, due to physical distancing
mandates and continuing anxieties about virus exposure in public places.
A further complication: Physical
distancing interferes with support networks of friends and family. These
networks ordinarily allow people to cope with major shocks. Now they are, if
not completely served, surely diminished.

Democratizing Mental Health

That means abandoning the notion
that the only path only to treatment is through a therapist or psychiatrist who
dispenses wisdom or medications. Instead, we need other kinds of: collaborative
and community based partnerships.
Given the unknown benefits of
social support as a buffer against mental distress, we should enhance peer –
delivered or peer supported innervations – like peer – led mental health
support groups, where information is communicated between people of similar
social status or with common mental health problems.
Peer programs have great flexibility;
after orientation and training, peer leaders are capable of helping individual
clients or groups, in person, online or via the phone.
Psychology must promote mental health
at the population level, with initiatives that try to benefit everyone rather
than focusing exclusively on those who seek treatment.

Taking care of your mental Health:- Strategies to Promote a Flourishing Wellbeing

Stress Management

Assertive Communication

Anger Management

Explore the real reason/s behind
that anger.
Give yourself a reality check.
If the anger is too much, take time
out and get some space and exercise if possible.
Once clam, express your anger using
the “I” statement when describing the problem.
Identify solution to the situation
instead of holding a grudge.
Be proactive.
Don’t compete, instead challenge
yourself Accept or at least tolerate people’s individuality.
Affirm other people passionately.
Be a good listener.
Underpromise but overdeliver.

Positive Thinking

Spirituality

Social Support

Meditation

Dr. Abhishek Mishra