Mental illness goes up by 30 pc in second wave

Lokmat News Network

Nagpur, May 22

In the second wave of corona, 3,45,164 new patients have been found so far, while 4,788 patients have died. It also has had a major impact on mental health of family members and relatives. Mental illness patients have increased by about 30 per cent due to fear and anxiety.

Family members and relatives of those who have lost a child, a young person or a bread winner in particular, have been found to have serious symptoms of mental illness.

Corona has disrupted normal life. The virus has not only affected the body but also the mind. Some patients and the general public are so much in fear and anxiety that experts say that the psychological effects on them are far-reaching.

Head of Psychiatry Department of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (Mayo) Dr Abhishek Somani, said that the effect of corona on mental health lasts longer than the effect on physical health. This makes it important to consult a psychiatrist.

The second wave of corona nearly tripled the number of patients, with about 700 to 800 patients a month coming to Mayo’s psychiatric ward for treatment. This number is large.

Some fear of getting corona, others fear of getting corona again. Dr Somani said there are three types of mental illness patients. The first type involves patients who are very careful not to get infected with corona. Some of these patients wash their hands frequently. Some patients avoid going out of the house for fear of corona, and also do not allow anyone to enter home.

The second type are patients who have recovered from the corona but are afraid of getting infected again. In such patients, even if there is a slight headache or sneezing, there is a fear that it could be corona. Currently, there is a great fear of mucormycosis in patients, these patients are cured by counseling.

Third type of patients need medication

In a family where the corona has caused the death of a child, a young person or a bread earner, the relatives of the deceased appear to be deeply affected. The number of patients with this third type of corona-affected mental illness has increased recently. They have a high risk of depression and need to be treated with medication. Elderly patients who have recovered from corona and were under ICU are largely disoriented, Somani said.

Be aware of the negative thoughts

This corona outbreak can last for the next few days or months, so it is important to have positive approach.

When you can, get close to nature, it is better to go out in the sun. Exercise, eat well and drink plenty of water. Be aware of the thought of uncertainty and negative feeling. One must tell self that there is no point in over thinking.

-Dr Abhishek Somani,

Department of Psychiatry, Mayo