The coronavirus epidemic, which causes panic at the global level and changes the course of existing psychiatric diseases, causes fear at the social level and causes some psychological diseases to be triggered.
The coronavirus epidemic, which causes panic at the global level and changes the course of existing psychiatric diseases, causes fear at the social level and causes some psychological diseases to be triggered. While it was observed that there was an increase in all psychiatric disorders during the pandemic process, among the most triggered problems; anxiety disorder, depression, panic and obsession-compulsion disorder. Stating that patients with these conditions, as well as patients' relatives should pay attention to themselves and apply methods to reduce complaints about the disease, Uz. From the Department of Psychiatry at Memorial Ankara Hospital. Dr. Serkan Akkoyunlu made important suggestions on the subject.
Pandemic process triggers stress, anxiety and anger
The Covid-19 pandemic process, which affects the whole world, has different psychological effects on people, such as fear, anxiety or, on the contrary, indifference. The risk of illness and loss of life due to coronavirus, and the restriction of social life with quarantines trigger stress, anxiety, anger and disappointment in people. However, the rules to be followed and not knowing how long this process will take causes burnout in many people.
Coronavirus increased psychiatric ailments
It is observed that there is an increase in almost all psychiatric disorders in the coronavirus process that causes trauma in humans. Anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder are among the most common diseases. This difficult process may cause exacerbation or relapse of their existing diseases in people with psychiatric disorders before the pandemic.
Discomfort shows different symptoms
In panic disorder; Panic attacks such as sudden palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain-pressure, tremors and sweating, and symptoms such as fear of experiencing this again are observed. In depression, on the other hand, physical symptoms that disturb the person, as well as health anxiety, depressed mood, unwillingness and decrease in energy, can occur with suspicions of being caught in Covid-19. Being in repetitive behaviors is observed in obsessive compulsive disorder.
Some attitudes worsen the course of the disease
The risks brought by the coronavirus cause an increase in the complaints of individuals with anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, which manifests itself with intolerance to uncertainty. However, the stress experienced increases the likelihood of recurrence of those with recurrent depression. In some patients, it is observed that problem behaviors such as visiting health institutions unnecessarily, cleaning too much, being too dependent on control emerge. While the increase in these behaviors and attitudes causes difficulties in accessing treatment and drug supply for general health problems, deterioration of treatment compliance causes the course of the diseases to worsen.
Follow these recommendations to deal with adverse situations!
People with psychiatric illness should follow these recommendations in order to eliminate or reduce adverse events that occur:
- People with psychiatric diseases must first continue their treatment.
- It should be ensured that the precautions suggested by the authorities that make the traumatic events feel under control should be taken. While taking action acts as an antidote to the feeling of helplessness, these measures should not be exaggerated by feelings of anxiety.
- During the pandemic process, especially the patient group with obsessive compulsive disorder and those with significant health concerns may have an attitude to take extreme precautions. For this reason, it should be accepted that the risk will not disappear for a while and the measures should be taken.
- Practices such as isolation and quarantine can reduce the pleasure of life by making people lonely. Distances should not be allowed to prevent socialization and social life should be continued with methods such as social media and video calling that can be used today.
- While creating daily routines and routines for patients who do not work and have free time, it is also beneficial to engage in activities such as different hobbies or sports.
- Help should not be avoided in difficult situations, it will be appropriate to make a re-evaluation in terms of treatment and to use medication and psychotherapy if necessary.
Patient relatives should also protect their mental health
The psychiatric illness experienced by a person is reflected in the people around him. Patient relatives sometimes feel the emotions of the sick person, feel upset, fall into despair, experience conflict due to the extreme precautions they take, or change their daily life flow to comfort them. Patient relatives should also pay attention to mental health by using the methods recommended to the patients first. Because mental health problems that are not considered can grow in a spiral in this process. To increase the communication with the patient with depression, to listen to him, to instill a certain level of hope, to do activities together to increase the duration of the activity can be beneficial for both parties. It is necessary to be open to communication with the person whose anxiety is significant, and to avoid expressions, stubbornness, and conflict that will make him or her underestimate. However, in the long term, it may be beneficial to visit a doctor that negatively affects the disease, at least not to support behaviors such as taking excessive precautions and to encourage psychiatric help seekers.
Things to be done in order to overcome the pandemic process with minimum problems;
- Take care of yourself, take all precautions as needed.
- Keep your existing routines or create new routines, plan your time.
- Relax both your body and soul with methods such as sports, yoga and relaxation exercises,
- Socialize appropriately, get support from your surroundings, and support your environment.
- Limit your exposure to negative news and be aware of positive developments.
- Seek psychiatric support whenever you need it.
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