A meditation room for medical personnel remains empty in the respite facilities at NYC Health + Hospitals Metropolitan, in New York City, U.S., May 27, 2020. /AP
Editor's note: Haider Rifaat is a writer for the South China Morning Post, Arabian Moda magazine, Good Times magazine and OK! Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
The pandemic has certainly aggravated psychological disorders that live among us. Some have experienced fear, anxiety and varying levels of depression, while others have had a hard time empathizing with people because of overwhelming stress.
The United States – currently the hardest hit country – continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic war, not realizing that another contagion stands in its way; mental illness. A report found that amidst a global outbreak, American citizens reported a substantial increase in fear and anxiety above the normal cut-off point. Pew Research further discovered that financially challenged individuals combat greater levels of distress than those who are better off.
A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that 70 percent of participants from a pool of 159 individuals reported increased body image concerns, sadness, loneliness and restlessness during the pandemic. Owing to compromised immunity, even cancer patients run a higher risk of contracting the virus that can ultimately result in anxiety and stress.
We vividly recall how panic buying skyrocketed during the initial months of the COVID-19 outbreak. The world knew very little about COVID-19 at the time. People were confused and misled by false information.
Frontline medical staff spread across hospitals in different countries were met with an overwhelming influx of COVID-19 positive patients that caused an overbearing strain on their mental health. Compassion fatigue and burnout rose to the occasion.
A healthcare professional takes a break in the employee respite facility at NYC Health + Hospitals Metropolitan, in New York City, May 27, 2020. /AP
Many healthcare workers took their own lives battling the virus; some couldn't handle the abrupt pressure that came their way. Had psychologists been on the spot providing their fellow medical workers and staff with counseling and therapy sessions, the situation wouldn't have been as dire. The current pandemic establishes that medical professionals can also falter and suffer from mental roadblocks like the rest of us.
The solution to these major mental health deficits lies in PFA (psychological first-aid). This technique allows psychologists to inspire people in a post-traumatic scenario. The approach is useful in treating common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Even responsible citizens can render psychological first aid to their families and friends without realizing that they have utilized this technique for the better.
Psychological first-aid is all about compassion and empathy. Keeping calm and encouraging those around you to be hopeful are useful strategies in making a sound difference in someone's life. The world probably lacked a proper psychological first aid strategy during the onset of the pandemic. Countries at large prioritized treating COVID-19 patients and completely negated the mental health aspect.
The world cannot afford another unforeseen catastrophe. Therefore, it is crucial to have psychological first-aid units set up in hospitals for pandemics like COVID-19 and the SARS virus. Small teams comprising psychologists and mental health counselors should be readily available in every hospital to help patients and medical workers with their routine struggles.
Psychological first-aid has long-term implications. Practicing this method will help fast-track the process of recovering from economic recessions, PTSD and other sociopolitical hurdles. However, as world citizens, it is our top priority to provide psychosocial support to our local communities.
With so much stigma attached to mental illness and the role of psychologists, it is imperative that we snap back into reality and work towards the betterment of society. All major components of our lives depend on our mental well-being.
If we are physically frail, spiritually weak and emotionally damaged, we are bound to experience major depressive episodes. Keeping sane, seeking help from others and helping in return is how we can pull through a global crisis.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)