It is necessary to extend a helping hand to fellow beings at a time when they need it most as all have turned helpless in front of a tiny, invincible micro virus. Let this Covid-19 pandemic period be the time to do more humanitarian deeds. Reaching out to others in need, sending medicines and food to those who are ‘positive’, sparing a call or two to check how they are doing, and messaging all on your contact list urging them to stay home and stay safe are, indeed, yeoman service to humanity. However, more support, better emotional backing are needed after one is infected with Covid-19, according to experts in psychiatry.
Dr Saleha al Jadidi, Head of Consultant Psychiatry and Geriatrics at Al Masarra Hospital, says people may suffer from mental health issues owing to increased stress hormones, the uncertainty of the situation and worsen any possible pre-existing mental health issues due to isolation/ quarantine. “For the next six months succeeding the infection and recovery, people, especially senior citizens, might experience mental health issues such as cognitive abilities deficits (Alzheimer’s), anxiety, depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder as they are more vulnerable to these irregularities,” she said. “At times like this, helping each other and being there for one another can boost one’s morale and show them the rays of hope to sail through difficult times,” she added.
Friends, relatives and acquaintances of the infected person have a crucial role to play in rehabilitating an infected person, according to Dr Mahmoud al Rahbi, Chief of Emergency at the Al Nahda Hospital. “Those infected need a lot of support during the time they are infected and after they got over it. Individuals from his family, workplace and above all, the members of the community have to give him moral support to help him come back to life,” says Dr Al Rahbi. He added that since some patients have longer time of admission in the hospital with complications, their work should help them with light duties being assigned to them for weeks or sometimes, for months till he returns to life healthy. “ICU patients need more emotional support”, says Nandhini Nandakumar, a psychotherapist in Muscat.
“Behavioural therapies and supportive therapy for psychological support for those infected, especially the elderly, are given as they experience fear and anxiety about the Covid-19 pandemic. Their families and caregivers need to be aware of the contributing factors and ways to prevent such negative feelings,” adds Nandhini. Dr Saleha said that special programmes have been developed to follow up with the patient and identify the problems that may be experienced through direct contact with him or his family. Doctors are further available around the clock in case of emergency just as the team is in the process of implementing TelePsychiatry Program
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