News > COVID-19 Psychosocial Effects

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Psychosocial Effects of the Coronavirus Outbreak

Among the psychosocial effects of epidemics; Symptoms of psychiatric diseases such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder take place primarily. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a stressful disease for people and communities. Fear and anxiety arising from the disease and epidemic are among the leading problems. The one that causes the most concern is; “Will I get the virus?”, “Will I get better?”, “How can I be protected?”, “What happens if my loved ones get infected?” are questions such as. These problems are usually seen in people who are at high risk of exposure to the virus. However, since there is a social epidemic, everyone is affected spiritually.

The most common reactions due to the epidemic are:

• Fear and anxiety about ourselves and loved ones who may have been exposed to COVID-19
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

ANXIETY

Anxiety and fear are common emotions. Fear is physiological and emotional responses to a known danger. Anxiety describes symptoms of unknown or unconscious cause. Emotionally, illness causes feelings of fear and panic. People always think negatively about everything. He fears that something bad will happen to him. Physically in person; headache, sweating, palpitations, chest tightness, mild stomach discomfort may be seen. The most important factor that increases the state of anxiety in the coronavirus epidemic is the state of uncertainty. The fact that there is no cure for the disease yet triggers anxiety disorder.

DEPRESSION

It is a state of depression that develops after hereditary, environmental or hormonal disorders in the person. Negative emotions such as hopelessness, sadness, grief, unhappiness can be experienced from time to time, but if these emotions continue for a long time, depression can be considered.

The most important factor that increases the state of anxiety in the coronavirus epidemic is the state of uncertainty. The fact that there is no cure for the disease yet triggers anxiety disorder. Social isolation and curfews, which are among the measures taken to prevent the epidemic, can cause depressive moods as a result of people being locked in their homes and deprived of activities that will make them feel happy and peaceful. With this depressive mood, the person may come to a position where he does not enjoy his life. In the continuation of this situation, depression can be experienced more severely with each passing day, as he isolates himself from life and avoids sociality.

POST TRAUMA STRESS DISORDER

It is the picture that emerges after events such as natural disasters, war, traffic accidents, attacks, epidemics, which are considered traumatic for everyone. Different people who experience the same trauma may respond differently. Children, young adults and the elderly are more susceptible to stressors.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

It is the problem we know as obsession. They are thoughts and actions that we cannot voluntarily remove from our consciousness. We check the door frequently when we leave the house, We check the gas, electricity, plug and socket when we go to bed at night. We wash our hands frequently. When we start spending hours on these things we do, it becomes a disease. This picture may be one of the problems that may occur in the long term due to the coronavirus.

It is normal for the coronavirus outbreak to affect our momentary thoughts and emotional reactions beyond our control. It is in our hands to control our behaviors, emotional reactions, and perspectives on events. If these emotional states do not negatively affect our daily lives, do not interfere with our work and do not impair their functionality, it can be said that they are not at the level of illness for the time being.

People with pre-existing mental health problems should continue their treatment in an emergency and monitor for the development of new symptoms.

Measures Against Psychosocial Risks

• Do not panic, calmly and consciously take measures against the disease
• Avoid undue exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. While following the developments and information about the virus, stay away from false, false and excessive information as much as possible and follow reliable news sources.
• Pay attention to hygiene rules
• eat healthy
• exercise
• Pay attention to your sleep patterns
• Stay away from alcohol and drugs
• Try to do some activities you enjoy
• Communicate with your relatives and share your feelings in accordance with the social distance rules
• If you are working from home, if you have problems with harmony and focus, adapt by adjusting your routine at work according to your home layout.
• To a large extent, children react to what they see from the adults around them. Support them by dealing with COVID-19 calmly and safely
  Think positive and don't lose hope
• If you feel that you cannot overcome the psychological effects, seek psychological support from an expert.