Mental Health Implications of COVID-19 in Canada
Image source: Ventures, Energia. “Energia Ventures (@EnergiaVentures).” Twitter, Twitter, 1 May 2020, twitter.com/energiaventures.
Written by Jessica Song
Why is it important to keep mental health in mind when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?
In this time of high stress and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to protect your mental health and wellbeing. According to Michelle Rose-Barajas, psychologist and manager at Mercy Health Behavioral Clinic, “The potential for increased suicides, incidents of domestic violence, substance abuse and child abuse during the pandemic is high.” A landmark literature review conducted by the Lancet reveals the potentially devastating psychological impacts of long-term quarantines. Researchers evaluated 24 studies to examine the psychological outcomes of people who were quarantined during SARS, H1N1, Ebola and MERS outbreaks since the early 2000s (Read more at Science News).These individuals were at higher risk of developing the following psychological symptoms:
… Amongst others. They found that 34% of all quarantined people (2000+) surveyed experienced high levels of psychological distress. Hence, it is paramount to stay connected, educated and self-aware of your personal mental health during these dark and uncertain times. Mental health is especially important for those working in healthcare or other essential fields, who may experience “depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder during or after the pandemic,” says Rose-Barajas. In this time, it’s crucially important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. This article intends to provide information and resources to support mental wellbeing for all Canadians. What do we know about COVID-19’s impacts on mental health so far? A lack of studies conducted in Canada or the United States makes it difficult to assess the magnitude of COVID-19’s impacts on citizens’ mental health. However, cross-sectional research has assessed mental health impacts of healthcare workers in China and individuals in Italy. We can extrapolate data from this research to foreshadow the mental health implications of COVID-19 in Canada. Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in China According to HCP Live, A recent study conducted by a team of researchers based in China assessed reports from over 1200 healthcare workers to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on mental health. This study focused on healthcare providers rather than patients. From the collected data, authors found that frontline healthcare workers, women, and nurses exposed to COVID-19 are at greater risk of developing negative mental health outcomes. It concluded that “Special interventions to promote mental well-being in health care workers exposed to COVID-19 need to be immediately implemented” (Lai et al. 2020) Read the full research article here. Image source: Mullane, Shannon. “Mental Health Professionals Share Insight into Coping with COVID-19.” Pine River Times, Pine River Times, 21 Mar. 2020, pinerivertimes.com/amp/131560-mental-health-professionals-share-insight-into-coping-with-covid19.
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Image source: Ologunagba, cecilia. “Covid-19: Chinese Commission Confirms 12,552 Patients Recovered in Mainland.” NNN NEWS NIGERIA, 18 Feb. 2020, nnn.com.ng/covid-19-chinese-commission-confirms-12552-patients-recovered-in-mainland/.
What measures have been taken to protect mental health and wellbeing in China?
Momentous government-led initiatives were launched to protect the mental health and wellbeing of individuals in Wuhan:
What were the effects of these measures? According to the Economist, one of the first hotlines to service the Wuhan population since the outbreak began has received over 2000 calls since January. Incredibly, mental health went from a largely taboo subject in Chinese society, to the hashtag #howtodealwithfeelingveryanxiousathome trending on Weibo soon after the lockdown was initiated. This may lead to improved mental health resources in China. In China, there is a shortage of clinically trained professionals in the field of mental health support. There are only 2 psychiatrists for every 100 000 people, compared to 14 per 100 000 in Canada. Mental Health of Individuals in Italy
A fascinating survey study in Italy was recently conducted by a group of researchers to examine individual responses to the government-enforced lockdown. However, a secondary finding of the study was that the quarantine is “beginning to have serious negative effects on the population’s mental health”. According to Barari et al., survey respondents “broadly cite the loss of mental health needs – freedom, stimulation, fresh air, and physical exercise – as the most common negative experiences associated with the quarantine.”. “Younger people more often say they are struggling with increased boredom and family conflict. Meanwhile, vulnerable groups like the elderly and the health-compromised more consistently cite loneliness relative to others.” Notably, “The average level of anxiety surrounding the crisis in the population is high: none of our respondents reported being completely without anxiety.” Where can I find mental health services and support in Canada?
In addition to the resources above, be sure to use reliable and credible sources when searching for news on the pandemic. We recommend using the Government of Canada website, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization for periodic updates. |
What are the best things I can do at home to cope?
It is completely natural and human to feel stress or anxiety in this uncertain situation. Everyone will have different ways of coping and managing their emotions, but finding positive coping methods is most important. Below we have gathered some positive and helpful methods for supporting yourself:
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly a difficult and very new experience, but it doesn't have to be a scary one. By staying informed, active, and connected, we can ensure that our mental health and wellbeing remains protected. We’re in this together!
It is completely natural and human to feel stress or anxiety in this uncertain situation. Everyone will have different ways of coping and managing their emotions, but finding positive coping methods is most important. Below we have gathered some positive and helpful methods for supporting yourself:
- Only check the news a few times each day. It can be tempting to surround yourself with news updates and new case counters, but constant exposure to the negative often alarmist reports can be upsetting. It is best to check once in the mornings and once in the evenings, then put it out of your mind for the rest of the day. This will free up time and mental energy that can be used for staying positive.
- Take care of your body and stay active. The American Psychological Association has identified numerous benefits exercise has on mental health, even encouraging psychologists to prescribe it as part of a treatment for anxiety and stress. Despite the social-distancing that may prevent us from going to the gym or outside world, there are still ways to keep active at home. Working out from home, running up and down stairs, or even investing in at-home workout equipment are great solutions.
- Stay connected to friends and family. It’s helpful to talk and vent about your honest feelings to a trusted individual, rather than keeping emotions bottled up. Thanks to modern technology, there are ways to stay connected even as we social-distance at home. Consider taking time to call a friend, or check up on a loved one.
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly a difficult and very new experience, but it doesn't have to be a scary one. By staying informed, active, and connected, we can ensure that our mental health and wellbeing remains protected. We’re in this together!
Image source: “Kvíz: Responsabilidade Social.” Quiz Editor, quizeditor.com/sk/quiz/responsabilidade-social.
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For more mental health services and helplines, please see below:
See CBC for a list of mental health resources by province. |
Works cited
- Mental Health Services Deployed across China in Fight against Epidemic - CCTV News - CCTV.com English, english.cctv.com/2020/02/13/ARTIU8M921Vo3wBER1eILDwi200213.shtml.
- “Lockdown in Wuhan Takes a Toll on People's Mental Health.” Public Radio International, www.pri.org/stories/2020-03-11/lockdown-wuhan-takes-toll-people-s-mental-health.
- Rosenfeld, Samara. “COVID-19 Affects Mental Health of Nurses, Frontline Workers More Than Others.” HCPLive®, 23 Mar. 2020, www.mdmag.com/medical-news/covid-19-affects-mental-health-nurses-frontline-more.
- Lai, Jianbo. “Mental Health Outcomes Among Health Care Workers Exposed to COVID-19.” JAMA Network Open, American Medical Association, 23 Mar. 2020, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2763229.
- “If You Want to Talk to Someone, Here's a List of Resources That Might Help | CBC Radio.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 20 Apr. 2018, www.cbc.ca/radio/opp/if-you-want-to-talk-to-someone-here-s-a-list-of-resources-that-might-help-1.4603730.
- McCallum, Ashley. “Health Official: Everyone's Mental Health Will Be Impacted by COVID-19. Here's How to Help It.” GazetteXtra, 29 Mar. 2020, www.gazettextra.com/news/health_care/coronavirus/health-official-everyone-s-mental-health-will-be-impacted-by/article_6970f683-5223-5682-930a-6d19b8f8b0a6.html.
- “Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Apr. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.