The whole world is grappling with COVID-19 and clearly nothing, in the recent years, has brought all actors together for a common cause like this epidemic. Presently, we all have a reasonable impression of the virus; the prevention and response measures.
Regardless of when we get over COVID-19, it will definitely leave short- and long-lasting scars, physical and emotional.
At Mental Health Uganda, we want to bring to the fore, the emotional (mental health) risks and challenges associated with the virus and propose some simple practical steps.
This outbreak is stressful for everyone thus leads to fear and anxiety. As a result, it has caused strong emotions for children and adults in varied but heavy proportions.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and how one responds can depend on internal and environmental conditions.
People who may be more strongly affected by this crisis include older people and those living with chronic conditions; people who are helping with the response like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders; people with intellectual or psycho-social disabilities; people who have been released from quarantine (carrying sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with them and their families could be likely victims of stigma and discrimination); children and teens; and those who are particularly confused and feel insecure.
As such, people will fear and worry about their own health and the health of loved ones. As a consequence, there will be changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty in concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems; and increased use of alcohol,tobacco, or other drugs.
Given the risk magnitude, there is no doubt that quarantine (self or institutional) is also necessary. It will however in most cases have some mental health impacts. They may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, confusion, anger, stigma and discrimination (at individual and family level) and could in some instances belong-lasting.
That said, the mental health implications of isolation do not mean we shouldn’t quarantine. It is however important to put psycho-social support at the center of the quarantines as we follow advice from professionals, especially the Ministry of Health.
People with intellectual or psycho-social disabilities are among the most affected atperiods of national and international crisis. The COVID 19 pandemic finds many of the Ministry of Health facilities under institutional care. Coupled with a history of overcrowding, this presents grave risks for patients on admission.
There are also homeless Ugandans with mental disabilities on the urban streets,particularly in Kampala. They are faced with the merger of crises where homelessness and disease meet; a disease that dictates social distancing for which they can neither be assured of nor claim. What is clear though is that they are a population at enhanced risk!
In light of the above, Mental Health Uganda recommends the following:
- Make public health communication accessible. Every person has the right to immediateand correct information on the epidemic and the measures they and their families shouldtake.
- Ensure there is accessible, inclusive, and hygienic health services. Facilities and servicesfor quarantine should be fully accessible to persons with disabilities, including allinformation.
- Ensuring that people with psychosocial disabilities are not left without essential supportand human contact. This means that they should not be institutionalized during theCOVID-19 pandemic era and should be treated on an equal rights basis with others.
- Ensuring that people with psychosocial disabilities who are in institutions are providedwith the necessary support. When visits to these institutions are banned and socialdistancing recommended, people who are already isolated will be among the mostimpacted. Therefore, nobody should be left without support, food and essential services.
- KCCA and other urban authorities should include the needs of homeless people in thestreets in their response to the coronavirus pandemic that would reduce theirvulnerability. This should include access to straightforward information in an appropriatelanguage; and providing resources for emergency shelters.
- To people living with psychosocial disabilities, continue to adhere to professional advice,keep sufficient medication and seek support from family and friends/peers.
- To the general public, there is a clear hopelessness around families, especially caregivers,many abruptly terminated from work due to social distancing; these are highly vulnerableto mental health problems due to all sorts of insecurities while prices soar. As somepeople say, the mind is a neighborhood they do not want to go into. Share accurateinformation; be there for others to cope with their stress, this will make communitiesstronger.
- Individually, take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. Hearingabout the pandemic repeatedly can be unsettling; take care of your body; make time tounwind, take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate; try to eat healthy, well-balanced andtimely meals; exercise regularly especially indoors with yoga or dance; get plenty of restand sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. Get absorbed in activities such as drawing, compiling photographs; and keep in touch with people in whom you have confidence.
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