The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on mental health across the globe particularly due to mitigation measures such as quarantine, isolation, curfews and lockdowns, loss of income, deaths, travel restrictions, as well as disruptions of our daily routine. According to the World Health Organization, the largest impact is in the form of stress and anxiety. There are rising cases of depression, suicide, and alcohol and substance use. On the other hand, we record high rates of divorce cases, domestic violence as well as sexism. KFF Health Tracking Poll conducted research in July 2020 and found out that the majority of adults are reporting negative impacts on their mental health and well-being. People are having difficulty in sleeping, eating, and have worsened chronic conditions due to stress and worry over the coronavirus.
Prevention and promotion of mental health
Mental disorders affect individual functioning resulting in emotional suffering and reduced quality of life, moreover, stigma and discrimination. The problem extends further into the community resulting in far-reaching economic and social consequences. Therefore, the need to reduce the burden of mental disorders and to pay attention to the prevention and promotion of mental health. The establishment of mitigation strategies to preserve mental well-being is crucial. Prevention is the best strategy to combat mental problems, in addition to, looking after your physical and mental health such as
· Eat a balanced diet to help your immune system to function properly
· Exercise
· Avoid alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking
· Use relaxation techniques
· Get plenty of rest and sleep
People are coping with the coronavirus pandemic by upending their lives and attempting to virtually re-create what they lost. Video chat has become the go-to substitute for many people’s discarded social lives, the place where they can see the most of the people they can no longer be with. Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts are easy to use. But they have a way of making everything feel like a meeting.
Love this!! Very relevant and important message.