Pandemics have significant psychosocial impact. Covid-19 has raised the prevalence of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological and mental distress among the general population. Repeated episodes of lockdown, periods of self-isolation after contact with infected people, social distancing, and the fear of contracting covid-19 when outside the home can lead to heightened fear and anxiety in people of all ages. Self-isolation is associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, adjustment disorder, confusion, and anger. Health anxiety, panic, adjustment disorders, depression, chronic stress, and insomnia are the major offshoots. Misinformation and uncertainty give rise to mass hysteria.
Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. Patients with long covid describe the fear, uncertainty, and despair caused by persistent symptoms and emphasise mental health support as a key part of recovery. People with active covid-19 are worried about their prognosis, while those admitted to intensive care and their families and carers experience substantial mental health distress. These are all risk factors for subsequent mental illness. Rates of self-harm and common mental health conditions were lower than expected in primary care during the early stages of the pandemic, but concern remains about a possible rebound effect causing higher rates of mental health problems, self-harm, and suicide in the coming months and years.
Studies have found that many young adults, and young women in particular, experienced symptoms of mental illness during the first lockdown. More than half (54%) of young women and 38% of young men reported mild to severe symptoms of depression. Almost half of young women (47%) and one-third (33%) of young men experienced mild to severe anxiety. Throughout the pandemic, many people across the country have experienced job or income loss, which has generally affected their mental health. Adults experiencing household job loss during the pandemic have consistently reported higher rates of symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder compared to adults not experiencing household job loss. Throughout the pandemic, women have been more likely to report poor mental health compared to men. Existing mental illness among adolescents may be exacerbated by the pandemic, and with many school closures, they do not have the same access to key mental health services. Children may experience mental distress during the pandemic due to disruption in routines, loss of social contact, or stress in the household.
Although being indulged in various physical activities to abstain from idleness can help boosting the mental state. Exercisers reported that stress reduction, anxiety relief, and improved sleep had become more significant motivators. Common pre-COVID reasons to exercise became less important. These included weight loss, strength building, enjoyment, appearance goals, social engagement, sports training, and healthcare provider recommendations. People who had most significantly reduced their physical activity during the pandemic struggled most with their mental health. The link between exercise and mental health is complicated. The physical benefits of exercise are also important for people with mental illness. It improves your cardiovascular health and overall physical health. Studies show a moderate level of exercise is enough. That’s roughly the equivalent of walking fast, but being able to talk to someone at the same time. Experts suggest 30 minutes of exercise, at least five days a week, can make a big difference. It can be one 30 minute session, or several shorter 10–15 minute sessions.
Some possible explanations how exercise helps in maintaining a healthy mental state are as follows:
- Regular exercise can help you sleep better. And good sleep helps you regulate your mood.
- Exercise can improve your sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem. People who exercise regularly often report how good achieving a goal makes them feel.
- Exercise can distract you from negative thoughts and provide opportunities to try new experiences.
- It offers an opportunity to socialise and get social support if you exercise with others.
- The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, change when you exercise.
- Exercise increases your energy levels.
- Physical activity can be an outlet for your frustrations.
- Exercise can reduce skeletal muscle tension, which helps you feel more relaxed.
Thus, mental and physical health both are equally important components of overall health, and should be dealt with the healthy ways and a person should find ways to improve their productivity, allowing one to focus on daily tasks and give one the motivation to get things done in a timely manner. Improving one’s mental health can even extend one’s life expectancy. Along with maintain mental health, one should not forget about the pandemic situation and maintain their physical health and hygiene as well to overcome this deadly disease.
