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Insidious COVID virus will leave a trail of untold mental mayhem
While the government set a pathway to gradually open up an already weak economy devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, psychiatrists caution that by the time the disease is contained, Sri Lanka will have to come to terms psychological problems among people who have been traumatised by the months-long lockdown.
Prof. Shehan Williams, president of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists (SLCP) said that the government should place mental health on its list of priorities.
He said Sri Lankans have been subjected to extreme anxiety, stress and fear that can lead to mass hysteria, resulting in drastic changes in thinking, behaviour, and attitude towards life.
This is particularly true of people who live in fear of being infected and are undergoing a spectrum of thoughts leading to trauma, stress, anger, confusion, despair and boredom in them, he said.
To allay such thoughts it is imperative that negative feelings are countered early.
The SLCP has introduced a hotline 1926. People needing help can reach out for psychological support and will be referred to a psychiatrist for treatment or for counselling.
A special hotline 071 257 8578 has also been launched for front line workers — the doctors, nurses and the military.
Prof. Williams conceded that these groups are working continuously in most vulnerable situations constantly in contact with the deceased, or people in isolation and are faced with extreme stress.
This can lead to a fear psychosis easily and progress to mild and severe depression.
“The infected persons themselves live in deep anxiety and fear of isolation from their families and the likelihood of never coming back home. Families and those who have come in contact also go through a traumatic period in quarantine centres,’’ he said.
With the World Health Organisation warning that the threat of coronavirus infection will linger for at least the next two years and health authorities cautioning people to maintain social distancing in every day activities, life will never be the same.
The main groups that will miss out on social connectedness will be students, the young adults and the elderly.
The young adults will find their carefree and cheerful lifestyle disrupted, and young children will miss out on their school life.
Even when schools reopen, students have been asked to distance themselves from their classmates/friends and the young adults on the other hand, will crave for outings with friends.
The elderly living alone, or in homes, will be abandoned by families who cannot visit them.
Along with this, there will rise a multitude of problems due to job losses, food shortages, financial losses in business, and many other things that can cause anxiety and depression or worsen existing mental ailments.
The above problems, if not addressed in time, will result in chronic fatigue, despair, and helplessness leading to depression.
Community Psychiatrist, Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Dr. Anurudha Ellepola said that comprehensive and balanced planning is necessary to combat the looming crisis.
While stressing the need to act early, he said that people should be made aware of what is happening within them, as most often we are unaware of a mental illness afflicting us.
“Even if proven otherwise, we are in denial because of stigmatisation of the disease,’’ he said.
Early treatment will help patients from developing anxiety and depression that can lead to suicidal thoughts and even suicide.
To address these issues, Dr. Ellepola has developed a Post COVID-19 Psychological Support System where referrals from the community, the outpatients department, and private sector are screened for psychological problems.
Patients coming for various other treatments are given questionnaires to assesses their mental status, and high risk patients are clinically identified and treated.
This model could be used on a wider scale to cover patients with psychological problems in the future.
Dr. Ellepola said people displaying symptoms of depression should be encouraged to talk and voice their fears and misgivings, to their nearest family member, or a friend. In severe cases they should seek psychological counselling.
To keep fit during this lock down, he recommends taking up a hobby, playing games with family, physical exercises and socialising with friends on the telephone and the internet.
The elderly should try their hand at puzzles, card games, and go for strolls in their compound to ward off boredom.
Also they could get involved in religious and spiritual activities at home.