Feeling helpless, stunned, isolated, can be some common feelings for many people today. Much more in these dire times. And if you are not the president of a country on the brink of collapse or something like that, they may be indications of a major mounting depression, which is a pathological disorder that intensifies in times of crisis.
Many specialists fear that the pandemic currently hitting the world will unleash a wave of mental health problems. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of the American citizens experience depression problems due to the pandemic. Other international reports show similar figures.
What’s going on?
Telephone lines for psychological emergencies and online therapies have been saturated in several cities around the world. According to Andrew Solomon, a depression specialist, and professor at Columbia University, there are a few main ways that people have responded psychologically to the coronavirus pandemic.
The mind in times of pandemic
- On the one hand, some people have strong mental stability. In general, they have learned to deal with the crisis in a positive way. They are the ones who tell you “I’m fine” and they are. We can hate those a little bit, but we also need them.
- Then some people did not have major depression problems or were manageable, but due to the pandemic, they have developed clinical symptoms: loss of energy, fatigue, guilt, feelings of fear, loss of appetite, insecurity, poor concentration, and generally little desire to do any daily activity. Some of these people will eventually be well, they will recover and others will fall into the pathological hole.
- Finally, there are the people who already had a history of clinical depression and with the crisis, they are worse than ever. They come to experience “a double depression”, feel extreme fear, and general paralysis. They need more medical attention and can end up hospitalized or worse in other cases.
The cruel reality of the pandemic
However, sometimes we do not take into account that many of those most affected by depression have been the doctors and nurses fighting the virus.
Suicides of this type in New York have shocked the world in a big way. On the other hand, a study of health workers in China during the peak of contagion showed that half of the health personnel had depression, 45% anxiety, and 34% insomnia. This can carry over too many workers on the front lines of services.
In addition to the generalized fear that this whole situation causes, anxiety and isolation, economic instability is also a key element in this issue.
Several investigations show a huge correlation between suicide rates and economic crisis.
The stigma of depression and subsequent suicide
It should be noted that almost a million people in the world die from suicide. A lot has to do with the stigmas associated with mental health, which we can see in the media. It is something to take into account since it works as a trigger for certain pathologies.
Due to social stigma, many people do not want to face their psychological problems. Because of this, negation arises in the first place. OK yes. I’ve been a bit depressed. But I’m not depressed. “I don’t have depression.” Nobody wants to be the “crazy person” of the family, the group, or the neighborhood. But it is a disease that can affect anyone.
Summing up
Something that must be taken into account is that depression is not an option or a moral flaw. In addition to stigma, the health system and insurance companies cover little or nothing for psychological problems. More than one will tell you: “Take a deep breath, have a tea, take a walk in the park” It is as if to treat a respiratory infection, you take disinfectant.
This is the New Normal. Take it. Never self-medicate. Seek the advice of your trusted doctor or visit a reputable Miracle Physical Therapy and Massage Center that can help you relax and give you proper treatment for anxiety and other related problems.