Isolating exposed individuals from the unexposed ones is a crucial measure in breaking up a chain of infection. All forms of separation and isolation, however, tend to impose an emotional toll on those affected by isolation and complicate the management of preexisting mental health issues. Logistical obstacles and limitations and the fact that psychological well-being and psychological needs of those placed in isolation and quarantine differ from the psychological needs of the general population require an adjustment in approach to the mental health care of this population.
In the meantime in the COVID-19 pandemic, being in quarantine and isolation has become a major issue for every individual. Although physical distancing is an effective way to break the chain of the SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. However, isolation has a significant impact on the mental health of patients. It can cause depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and dementia.
In order to overcome the impact of being in quarantine the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages people to continue socializing at a distance, such as small gatherings with social distance, and connect with the people by phone call or online platforms.
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), social support networks can have a significant impact on the patient’s health. Therefore, many countries have found many ways to triumph with loneliness and consider it the utmost priority of the patients.
Isolation impact on mental health
Isolation can cause various mental issues such as anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. Therefore, being socially connected is crucial for both mental and physical health. Some researchers believe that relationships are a biological need and important for mental well-being and survival.
Some usual mental health issues which appear after being in quarantine or isolation for a longer duration may include
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Suicide
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
Some researchers prove that the identified link between mental health and physical conditions such as heart disease and breast cancer, which means mental depression and anxiety can cause heart disease and breast cancer.
The world is currently going through the tough phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and health organizations around the globe are encouraged to follow physical distancing, and physical dispensing as an effective practices to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, it may lead the patient to loneliness and depression.
Older patients of COVID-19 are likely to experience more loneliness and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The other reason to experience the loneliness and anxiety in an older patient includes,
- Retirement
- Widowhood
- Separation from children
- Aging health issue
These changes may cause social relationships to be broken, making socializing more challenging. It may be more challenging for those with disabilities or health issues that limit physical activity to socialize outside the house. COVID-19 symptoms might be exacerbated by age and underlying health issues. Physical separation is the greatest approach to safeguard vulnerable people, but it might increase loneliness in those that are already solitary.
Loneliness is on the rise in the United States. According to some experts, an increasing percentage of people in the United States suffer isolation on a regular basis. Other countries, such as Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have declared a loneliness pandemic. Researchers have also discovered a decrease in the average size of social groups in the United States, as well as fewer attendance in social groups, lower involvement in religious organizations, and a decrease in the average size of religious groups.
Medication for mental health
Loneliness and depression cause a number of anxiety issues, which sometimes need medical attention to cure the anxiety, depression, sleeping disorder, and other problems.
Xanax 1mg (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ambian (zolpidem), and Klonopin (clonazepam) are the most prescribed medicines for the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic disorder, and other problems.
All medicines are additive in nature and have opioid nature, and are recommended only on the prescription of medical professionals. All the medicine is usually prescribed only for adults. Children below 17 years and older adults above 65 years should not take it without a prescription. Additionally, it is not recommended for pregnant women, as the drug can pass into the breastmilk and it can cause several adverse effects on the newborn child.
Signs and symptoms of mental health issues:
There are many more signs and symptoms of an affected person’s mental health may include,
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Aggressive behavior
- Passive attitude
- Poor sleep quality
- Cognitive decline
- Altered memory
- Poor self-care or self-neglect
Moreover, it is proven that the consequences of loneliness and isolation are different depending on a person’s age. Adult people aged 18-49 years may struggle to focus, or they increase the frequency of eating, meanwhile, children below 17 years may experience more cognitive, behavioral, and emotional difficulties.
How to socially indulge
As people seek refuge, finding methods to interact with others might help to lessen the impact of loneliness on their mental health. Today, there are several ways given below to reach out to loved ones, friends, and people in need.
- Phone and text
- Social media
- Video chat platforms
How to assist others
The WHO recommends assisting persons in need during the COVID-19 epidemic, despite physical separation restrictions in place across the world. Contacting individuals in the community who may be in danger of isolation, loneliness, or health difficulties is a wise decision.
Knocking on a neighbor’s door while keeping a safe distance away, or phoning them on the phone, might serve as a gentle reminder that they are not alone. Regular phone conversations or video chats can also aid in the reduction of feelings of loneliness.
Another approach to remain in touch is to send someone care packages. People who look after vulnerable people can drop off prescriptions or food and other necessities at their door.
Although many businesses are closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic, fitness programs, beauty and grooming movies, and courses may all be found online. Participating in online activities with others can help people feel more connected and less lonely.
Summary
People have been compelled to self-isolate in order to avoid the spread of SARS-CoV-2 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness, on the other hand, may have major health repercussions, exacerbating diseases like depression, anxiety, and dementia.
Loneliness may be alleviated and issues avoided by socializing from a distance, such as through online platforms. This is especially true for those who are susceptible. Anyone who is experiencing mental or physical changes as a result of isolation should see a doctor.
In the meantime in the COVID-19 pandemic, being in quarantine and isolation has become a major issue for every individual. Although physical distancing is an effective way to break the chain of the SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. However, isolation has a significant impact on the mental health of patients. It can cause depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and dementia.
In order to cure all these diseases, there are a few medications suggested as well. Blue Xanax 1mg(alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ambian (zolpidem), and Klonopin (clonazepam) are the most prescribed medicines for the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic disorder, and other problems.
All medicines are additive in nature and have opioid nature, and are recommended only on the prescription of medical professionals. All the medicine is usually prescribed only for adults. Children below 17 years and older adults above 65 years should not take it without a prescription. Additionally, it is not recommended for pregnant women, as the drug can pass into the breastmilk and it can cause several adverse effects on the newborn child.