Introduction
Today, we will relate the novel COVID-19 pandemic to mental health. According to Cullen, Gulati, and Kelly (2020), there is a need for health facilities not to overlook the mental aspect of coronavirus (p. 311). Notably, the disease is peculiar in many ways, including the inadequacy of resources stating the pandemic’s effect on mental health. Therefore, when discussing the coronavirus disease and its relation to mental health, it is proper to unravel pertinent stressors. Namely, they are restrictions that infringe on freedom, financial impact, and disruption of normalcy.
The Stressors
Several governments across the world have issued guidelines and stipulations that limit movement. The lack of freedom is a potential stressor that could affect the mental stability of people. People are bound to react emotionally when punitive restrictions infringe on their freedom.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an economic recession. The associated financial burden is likely to be too massive for some people to bear. The loss of jobs coupled with the closure of certain types of businesses has affected the financial stability of several people.
The pandemic is an abnormal disease that has disrupted normalcy. Some quarantines and restrictions limit people’s freedom to move, travel and attend recreational activities. Social and physical distancing have become part of people’s lives. For people who are sensitive to their freedom, these sudden changes are possible stressors. It is especially true for the most vulnerable people in society.
Conclusion
Because of the novelty of the pandemic, there is a general approach globally. Globally, the focus is on the prevention of spreading the disease. Consequently, priorities include testing, lessening of transmission, and caring for patients. The healthcare fraternity rarely tackles the mental aspect of the coronavirus pandemic. It is imperative to note that this leaves a huge gap that needs urgent address. I sum up by stating that the COVID-19-related mental issues include the presentation of stressors that affect people’s well-being.
Reference
Cullen, W., Gulati, G., & Kelly, B. D. (2020). Mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 113(5), 311-312.