SUPARNA GHOSH
Counselling Psychologist,
Life Transformation Coach & Trainer
DEPRESSION AND COVID-19
Suparna Ghosh
As the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) continues to take lives across the world, there’s another public health crisis that’s rearing its ugly head. This new danger may perhaps unleash more death and despair than the coronavirus itself. This is depression.
Mental health is equally important as physical health. In the coming New Normal especially quarantine and its effects on many people’s usual activities, routines or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.
Question is how will you know that someone is depressed?
Most people feel sad or low at some point in their lives. There is a difference between sadness and depression. All sadness is not depression.
A depressed person has a constant sense of hopelessness and despair. It may be difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities. Clinical depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day, sometimes particularly in the morning, and a loss of interest in normal activities and relationships -- symptoms that are present every day for at least 2 weeks.
One may have other symptoms with major depression. Those symptoms might include:
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Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
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Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
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Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
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Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
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Restlessness or feeling slowed down
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Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
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Significant weight loss or gain
People living with depression during this pandemic may now find themselves:
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having difficulty accessing their medications
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facing unusually intense fear about the spread of COVID-19 and how it may affect their loved ones
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feeling extremely anxious about their finances
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withdrawing more due to social isolation
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experiencing an increased sense of helplessness and hopelessness about the future
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How will you take care of someone who is suicidal?
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Try to remove any weapons, sharp objects, medications or potentially harmful objects.
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Listen to the person without judgement.
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Immediately seek professional help
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Ask the most difficult question: “Are you considering suicide?”
How can a depressed person be treated?
Depression is a serious mental health condition, but it is treatable with medication and counselling. With lockdown, it is likely impossible for people to see a psychotherapist in person unless it is an emergency. However, online sessions is an option. Lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, may also help with symptoms of depression.