MENTAL HEALTH & COVID-19;

Sharon Musyoka - DMSHARK PR
Aug 18, 2020
2 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated Fear, worries, Anxiety and Stress subjecting a lot of people to mental health issues globally.

Mental health includes the emotional, psychological and social well-being that affects how one thinks, feel and act.

Mental health is crucial to personal growth and development and that is why It should be prioritized.

Mental health-related disorders may result from different experiences and activities that may subject the victim to mental disturbance.

For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has subjected a lot of people to Stress, depression and anxiety due to unbearable tough conditions.

Mental health disorders,

Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour.

Below are examples of mental health illnesses.

Depression

Anxiety

Stress

Bipolar

Schizophrenia

Addictive behaviours

Eating disoders

Causes

Life hardships such as financial constraints, loss of jobs, loss of loved ones, change of lifestyle etc...
Abuse and bullying.
Violence.
Tragedies such as accidents and attacks.
Health complications such as traumatic brain injury.
Exposure to Virus or toxic and harmful chemicals.

Many people loss the battle to mental health disorders because of being reluctant or afraid of seeking help, denial and failure to admit that they are unwell.

You may seem okay but mental illness will slowly devour and eventually overpower your well-being.

Most of the mental health illness victims adopt some behaviours that may signal that they are being disturbed mentally.

These signs includes:

Violence and aggressiveness.

HostilIty

Suicidal thoughts

Unhappiness, confusion and lack of concentration

Low self-esteem and lack of confidence

Excessive fear and worries

Unusual eating and sleeping habits

Fatigue

Delusions and hallucinations

Drug and substance abuse

It always takes courage for mental health illness victims to seek help and be liberated.

A person with mental health disorder can be assisted in various ways such as;

visiting a psychiatric for counselling and guidance.
Seeking medical treatment when necessary.
Speaking up and sharing with a close family member or a friend.
Participating in mental health awareness campaigns, conferences and seminars.
Focusing on things that fascinate you. E.g. Your hobbies.
Taking care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising.
Connecting with friends and family.

As the society, we should be on the front line on assisting our brothers and sisters with mental health illness by;

Being kind, understanding and willing to help.
Paying attention to them without being judgemental.
Encouraging and Motivating them to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
Interacting with them more often.
Assisting and encouraging them to seek professional help.