Change your mind

New normal measures implemented to prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections may come with a psychological price to pay

PUBLISHED : 7 JUL 2020 AT 04:00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: LIFE
 
WRITER: ARUSA PISUTHIPAN


For people in Thailand, the lack of any domestic Covid-19 transmission event has been a weight off their chest. Furthermore, with curfew revoked and lockdown measures relaxed, people and businesses have sprung back to life under a new normal to prevent a second wave of infections.

The unfamiliar new norms, which have been implemented on various aspects of our life, are affecting people beyond the personal and financial level. Several new practices such as social distancing, different office environments and other unusual lifestyle protocols have also taken a toll on the psychological state and health of people who are struggling to adapt to the changes. While figures and statistics released during the coronavirus crisis reveal just how much people's mental health has been affected, that is just the tip of the iceberg, especially now that the pandemic has begun to subside and ease in many countries.

A psychiatrist from the CGH Hospital, Dr Piyawat Dendumrongkul, said that based on his experience, he has observed a sharp rise in the number of people coming in with anxiety and depression, despite the fact that lockdown measures have already ended.

The social and financial impacts caused by Covid-19 have severely hit Thailand. For example, more than 8.3 million Thais are expected to lose their jobs, as estimated last week by the World Bank. Yet, amid post-lockdown, the psychological fallout from the pandemic should not be underestimated. Moreover, the World Health Organization also warned in May of "a massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months".

One of the most obvious difficulties facing people after lockdown, Dr Piyawat said, is the fact that access to health services has become more challenging as a hospital visit could now mean a higher risk of getting infected with the virus. As a result, many people are choosing to avoid visiting a medical facility, even when it's necessary.

"Access to healthcare services will not be as easy and convenient as before," added the psychologist. "For one, people's own fear of getting the virus will keep them away from hospital facilities. Even if they fall sick, they will first be screened for Covid-19 when they visit a hospital and if they have any suspicious symptom, they might be isolated or referred to doctors other than who they actually came to visit."

Furthermore, communication-limiting new measures coupled with post-Covid 19 travel restrictions are also likely to take a toll on the mental state of people. This is especially true for travel enthusiasts or people who usually consider travelling as a means to take a break from their normal life. Their inability to travel as frequently as before could turn into a real emotional pain.

"For many, staying at home equates to misery because family members can be a catalyst for bad emotions," said Dr Piyawat.

However, the financial fallout that people are currently suffering, according to the doctor, has psychologically hit them the hardest. Emotional burnout can be caused by job loss, salary cuts, or additional family expenses and monthly bills as is the case for parents who have to buy more equipment for their children's online learning.

Another potential danger is that amid post-lockdown, many businesses and organisations are favouring work-from-home to ensure there is ample physical distance among staff. This Covid-19 legacy -- which could become a long-term effect, if not permanent for some organisations -- affects people differently. For some people, it could potentially give birth to more serious psychological issues, especially among people whose work and life boundaries are blurred when they work from their home.

"When people work at the office, the physical boundary is clear. The office is the workplace. Once they step out of the office, it means the end of their work hours. Yet, when people work from home, such a clear physical boundary can disappear which could potentially affect their psychological boundary," explained the psychiatrist, adding an example of a mother who works from home with kids running around in the background. Such a scenario is where the physical boundary of the workplace is not clear and can lead to stress.

Adapting to changes and the new normal after lockdown demands an emotional effort but it is extremely worthwhile as the world has seen infections rise to the millions. A tip on how to adapt while also preventing the new norms from causing a psychological burden, advised Dr Piyawat, is to be prepared and open-minded towards changes.

"New virtual tools and technologies in the office and frequent online meetings. Be prepared for that as well as the fact that we might not be able to meet our favourite co-workers in person. In such a circumstance, however, the relationship needs to be maintained either via a face-to-face meeting that might not be as often or via online social networks," he said.

Though it is easier said than done, a clear work-life balance should be a top priority to implement.

"Set a clear physical boundary if working from home is to become the new practice. For example, set up a timetable as to when to work and when to rest. It is also imperative to separate work areas from other home areas.

"In times of change like this, it is paramount to not be stressed out or pressured by the term new normal because some of the changes are only temporary. After the world has a vaccine against Covid-19, we will see what remains of what we now label as the new normal. Certain changes that people are now implementing should only be called survival tools."
Whenever people feel they cannot cope with change or feel they have lost balance in the circumstances they are facing, advice should be sought either from people they trust or from medical specialists.

But when to seek advice? The keyword, said Dr Piyawat, is emotional discomfort.

"Whenever people feel ill or worried, they should speak to someone. Sometimes whining is a way to release negative emotions which would otherwise lead to more serious mental conditions like depression or anxiety disorder. If bad emotions start to have a physical impact such as migraine, upset stomach or insomnia, it's time to seek professional advice."

The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues take time to get used to.

Here are some tips from the World Health Organization to help people look after their mental health.


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