THE EFFECT OF DRPRESSION DURING COVID-19 (Article)

Whenever a pandemic hits the planet with its massive force, it leaves a major impact on human beings. Such a disease is observed in the year 2020, for which we all are the living witnesses. The disease COVID-19 was so-called because it wiped out vast number of lives with it. The year 2020 brought disaster to its fate, the year 2020 came with COVID-19. Infection causes by virus (SARS-CoV-2) had its worst impact worldwide more than any other disease have ever caused. The transition that began in Wuhan, China covered almost all regions and countries worldwide. In India, the virus starts its count from 30^th January with 4-5 cases, and across the country million of cases were reported and thousands of death had been confirmed.

Generation faced such pandemic on a very large scale for the first time as the rate and frequency of the spread of infection is very high, and therefore, people surrounded by various problems which further troubles them making decisions during such conditions. This rapid change makes them particularly concerned thereby increases the risk of physical and psychological illnesses. While considering psychological stress, depression is one of the most common illnesses found among people now-a-days. Millions of the population was found to be fighting depression even before the threat of pandemic and the cases may increase after people are being infected or even thought to be infected by virus. So, before talking about depression, let us know some facts regarding depression.

Depression is a mood disorder which can happen to anyone. It is common psychiatric illness which can be observed by persistent sadness. A person is said to be depressed, if he/she is stressed for more than 2 weeks, having low energy levels and experience losing interest in life. The stigma has its impact on person’s feeling, thinking, and acting. At its worst stage the illness can even lead to suicide.

A person may feel this due to the conflicting experiences, difficulties in performing responsibilities, and number of reasons which cannot be stated a single and justified reason for depression, all the pressure comes out with a violent outburst which can spoil person’s progressive stage or productive phase of life. Depression has its negative impact in form of various disabilities, shortened career making period and irreparable damage to relationship with close ones. All these things might happen very quickly that the person either do not know the exact reason or not aware of the symptoms of depression behind it. At the same time, we cannot blame the person for their behavior as the things are not under their control. So what should we do?

Depression doesn’t come lonesome, in certain cases depressive disorders may also be responsible for causing other metabolic diseases and disabilities such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and can lower down the immunity, it depends upon the level of depression, age, and physiological conditions of the patient. The world is facing severe loses of lives and economy due to the pandemic. The sudden cease of social, academic, and official setup had negatively affected the psycho-social life, which can naturally lead to stress, tension, anxiety and even depression.

Scholars have faced academic problems due to the discontinuation of examinations, college life and overall academic progress which may increase stress, low confidence, and lack of patience in them. Children and adults in particular are the generation that has encountered the pandemic for the first time. For such people, depression is more likely to occur in cases of fear, or in a state of fear or, if in case a family member or they themselves have suffered the disease. With little or no social interaction, people may get less interested in following the same lifestyle and sitting at home every day, and this can make them feel lonely and isolated for a longer period. Low energy level and low communication with family members may also lead to psychological distress. Lack of interest in doing any work makes people lazy and fond of resting. Such an unhealthy lifestyle with no physical exercise, irregularity in sleeping and eating patterns, invites serious disease.

The official work was halted for a long duration which affected the regularity of routine activities. Parents on the other hand especially women get more workload of home during the phase and due to a busy schedule with less rest, women couldn’t spare quality time for themselves, which can disturb their physical health and nutrition, thereby a stressful environment may be formed around them. On the other hand, many students and their family were stuck in place from where they were not able to reach out their homes which may cause exposure to stress and anxiety. Whereas, poor families having no sources of income or who have lost their jobs, were solely dependent on government organizations or public health workers for their daily need of food and even sources of income. Worst situations like this can lead any person to such stressful condition.

As many drastic changes occur during the pandemic, but a positive attitude towards those cases that had cured the disease and returned to their routine lifestyle could help to combat the panic of corona virus, and can reduce the psychological disturbances. Staying healthy is a difficult task, but a lot can be managed by eating right, limiting emotional overeating and having plenty of physical exercise, yoga and meditation, which can help to improve the working efficiency of the brain and release brain chemical in sufficient amount to regulate functioning of the brain. Person with depression may have difficulties performing routine activities, so helping near ones with all possible efforts can generate positive feedback, and they may feel motivated with the few words of affinity.

Most of the time, people are often misled by incomplete information and myths. Misconceptions regarding the disease make people more susceptible to strain and false perceptions. So, it is better to avoid news of social media platforms, and adopt correct information by verified government bodies. There are several facts that have been suggested by WHO regarding the virus, its actual symptoms, effects and safety points. Listening to the facts instead of rumor can eliminate unnecessary stress and anxiety. Synchronizing, the fact that the era has brought much psychological stress due to life changing events of the pandemic which caused major changes in the world in terms of education, jobs, business professions, marketing strategies, and social events. There is no other option except to manage health in such crucial events. In case, if anyone feels the symptoms of depression, they must seek immediate help from medical counselors, and those organizations which work for mental health disorders. Psychological illness can make people physically unfit which may lower the immunity by making a person more prone to infections.

Many people get hesitated in expressing how and what they feel, they are being afraid by the reaction of society and family, it depends upon the person’s surroundings, religion, and superstitions about the stigma. Everyone should need to understand that the depression is not a weakness of a character, it is an illness that can be treated and there is no need to hide oneself from the society and the taboos. Awareness concerning early treatment of depression is more important for the diagnosis of symptoms, and the early treatment of depression, to make society free from the burden of depression. Increasing severity in cases can worsen the level of depression and can increase the chances of suicidal attempts, a tragic event too. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, irrespective of culture, and religion. Therefore, helping family and friends whoever are facing the stigma, just by talking to them and not leaving them alone is one of the primary conscience of every person.

 

“The faces hidden behind the pressure of stigma should deserve a chance to express them and be freed from this traffic of thoughts before disappearing.”

Source: https://covid19.who.int/table

- Simran Chouhan,

Dr. Gargi Saxena

Senior Assistant Professor, IIS University, Jaipur.