Mental Morbidity Arising From Social Isolation During Covid-19 Outbreak

Year 2020, , 97 - 100, 23.06.2020

Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe Oluwanisola Akanji Onigbinde Oluwatosin Imoleayo Oyeniran Terkuma Chia

https://doi.org/10.5455/umj.20200607043118

Abstract

Mental health is the state of well-being in emotion, cognitive, and behavior which entails identification of one’s abilities, perceived self-efficacy, competence, capabilities to survive with challenges of life and add value to the society at large. With the emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak which from inception has infected millions of people. Isolation and quarantine have been one of the major means of containing the spread of the virus whereby individuals tested positive or manifesting possible signs are kept in isolation centers or quarantined as the case may be. Isolating people involves a lack of social interaction and emotional distancing among health care workers, patients, and their families which present challenges like stress, loneliness, depression, and fear of the unknown. These if not immediately addressed can harm mental health. The peculiarity of this COVID-19 isolation and social distancing is that its impact is not only limited to the affected patients but extends to their caregivers like health workers, security personnel among other first responders who are a result of their responsibilities have also been separated from their loved ones. This work addresses the various form of psychosocial supports that can be given to those experiencing any form of social and emotional distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Keywords

COVID-19, healthcare worker, isolation, mental morbidity

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