The COVID-19 pandemic is still attacking the whole world with its vigorous hits. It has been more than a year since we are in this misery. But still, its spread didn’t stop, and the virus is getting stronger day by day along with mutations and new variants.
Apart from devastating a significant part of the global population, it brought notable changes in the physical and mental well-being of the rest of the world.
COVID-19 Vs Mental And Physical Well-Being
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Today, We helplessly witness the virus’ theft of our dear ones. Then later we realize what the virus has done with our bodies and mind.
How COVID-19 Can Affect Mental Health?
There has been a feeling of riskiness in the whole world after the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus. Certain changes in the mental well-being of people are also not left unnoticed.
However, on the topic of the mental impacts of COVID-19, there had not been many studies conducted. Since its impact on the physique is already troublesome to deal with, and there is no cure discovered, we put our complete attention in wiping it out from the world.
Even though not much research has been conducted on this, it is obvious that the pandemic caused practical damage to the mental health of mankind. Many have experienced problems with their moods. If someone recovers, it doesn’t mean he got rid of all the complexities. Let’s see some possible causes.
- Feeling of uncertainty
Since the outbreak of the virus resulted in lockdowns in many regions, people tend to have a feeling of uncertainty. Most of us are still anxious about the future so just think about those who became jobless or people whose salaries were cut in half.
- Lack of socialization
Everyone was forced to be isolated in their homes which resulted in elevated levels of stress and anxiety. The impact of isolation is specifically higher among COVID-19 patients. They were denied the presence of their dear and near at the roughest time of their lives, probably during the quarantine. Depression levels also became higher as people don’t have the usual encounters with people as before.
These factors are common, anyone can be affected by these. Which means a person necessarily does not have to get infected with the virus to be troubled with these factors.
However, Covid patients are more prone to have long-term conditions of memory loss, lack of concentration, and sleep problems which are directly linked to inconsistencies in mental health.
Pandemic Vs Children
The situation is not different among children. They are away from their school, friends, and peers. In many families, they are not receiving enough care from their parents to tackle the unbearable isolation. For this, we cannot blame the parents since their struggles are doubled, and they too are already stressed.
Here, the parents have to follow a gentle approach towards their children. Spending time with them would help a lot, but parent’s patience is essential to calm children down. Parents should encourage them and provide help to cure their feelings of insecurity. Involving with healthy activities will help both the child and parents to stay away from negative feelings and get relieved in stressful situations.
The Behavioural changes that have been noticed among children after lockdowns include:
- Annoying behavior
- Increased sadness, worries, and depression
- Restlessness
- Excessive Crying
- Lack of appetite and change in eating habits
- Issues of concentration and attention
- Lack of interest in activities
- Sudden pains
Effects on the Elder Generation
The elder generation is already facing various struggles related to their health and weak immune system. They always long for the care and presence of others and the effect of the pandemic on their mental health can be unimaginable. The social distancing protocol can negatively affect their inner self. It may induce mental trauma among the elderly as well as can cause depression and anxiety. But, sometimes spending a few minutes with the elders can save them from a big disaster. They deserve a regular visit, and they should spend some time in joyful activities.
The notable changes that occurred among the elderly duke to COVID-19 are;
- Being irritated
- Anger
- Change in patterns of sleep and diet
- Emotional outbursts
Impact of COVID-19 in Physical Health
The one who can save himself from the coronavirus is considered to be lucky in the current world. People who contract the deadly virus develop several complications. These troubles make life difficult and we know when they become severe, they can lead us to death.
The major issues which a covid patient undergo can be:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Feeling dizzy
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
- Cough
- Loss of smell
If anyone’s test reports finally show negative from the coronavirus, they feel relieved. But, most people who survived the disease still show certain complications or post-COVID syndrome.
To add to the menace of the pandemic, a recent study found some survivors struggle with the complications even months after they recovered from it. It is so terrific to hear many people have lost the quality of their life, and they say the virus has caused severe damage to their bodies.
Let’s have a look at the post-COVID or long-term complications that have been detected so far around the world.
- Organ damage
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of smell and taste
- Issues with memory, sleep, and concentration
- Muscle pain
- Rash
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have affected the lungs. However, in most cases, people underwent severe issues with their other body parts. Some of them experienced severe damage to their heart muscles, and this indicates the future risk of heart failure and other complications.
In some other cases, the disease caused strokes and seizures even among the younger ones as well. Studies also suggest this pandemic is as deadlier as to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in the future.
Most commonly, the pandemic results in long-term breathing issues as the lungs are its prime target and damages the tiny air sacs in it.
Sometimes, people quickly recover from COVID-19. But, it doesn’t mean that there are no further issues. People who experienced milder or asymptomatic covid have further developed certain conditions which adversely affect both their mental and physical health. To resolve all these issues, people have to follow appropriate measures other than following preventive measures. Once any of these complexities appear in your life, it is better to seek medical help to be completely free of them.
