Covid-19 lockdown and mental health; a psychiatrist’s perspective

The potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people’s mental health is an increasing global concern. Measures such as physical distancing and imposition of lockdown have been implemented in response to the rising number of Covid-19 related cases and deaths. However, while these might have mitigated the spread of the virus, they on the other hand pose adverse effects on people’s mental wellbeing. Dr Chantal Murekatete, a psychiatrist who works part-time at King Faisal Hospital, notes that the lockdown, though crucial in terms of preventing the spread of coronavirus, poses effects on people’s mental welfare since humans are social beings which means isolation is not the way they are supposed to live. Dr Chantal Murekatete, part-time psychiatrist at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali. Photo: Courtesy. Ordinarily, she says, people are obliged to move from one place to another at their convenience. “They have the right to go to work, visit friends and family, and the right to pray. All that was halted by the lockdown. However, it is important to understand that the government has set up these rules for in order for people to be safe.” The idea that there is no certainty to when this pandemic will come to an end makes it harder for people to comprehend. These effects cut across economic and social outcomes that eventually affect people mentally. “People who are engaging in informal jobs, for example, will have a problem of worrying about what to eat the next day though the Government of Rwanda through Local Government is providing support. The same applies to those in the business community. This means that a person will not be emotionally strong as this is a stress factor that shakes them mentally, their behaviour changes, choices change and many other aspects of life are attacked,” she points out. “This leads to anxiety, and then it shakes those with prevailing challenges even more. It stimulates the impact of those challenges and then it leads to symptoms that show how people are mentally unstable.” Official statistics indicate that one in four Rwandans suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nearly one in every six adults suffers from depression. At such a time, the psychiatrist observes that people’s resilience tabs are affected too which she says makes it harder for them to deal with such turbulent times. “There is something we call resilience, it is a person’s ability to endure a certain situation, but sometimes people have little to no reliance in themselves which makes it hard for them to overcome any kind of situation. Now when they are faced with these hard times, they are easily shaken and soon or later, they will start to show symptoms.” How to deal with it Dr Murekatete believes that people are supposed to have accurate information in regards to the current state of the pandemic. She, however, cautions against the constant consumption of negative information. “You should be wary of the type information you digest every day. Don’t take in toxic news because the more you listen to it, the more you panic. The other thing you can resort to is engaging in different activities, preferably, schedule up a routine of activities in your homes. If you were waking up at seven for work, wake up at the same time, get ready and then work from a separate room.” She encourages eating a balanced diet and remaining active by doing sports. For instance, moving around the compound or spending quality time with kids. “Look for something to do in order to be versatile. Engage in different hobbies because doing only one thing will be boring.” According to her, keeping close contact with people you love especially those who get the best out of you is relevant. She is however against the use of drugs as a coping mechanism. “Stay away from drugs. Some people stock up alcohol in their homes but this is not a helpful strategy to cope with changes imposed by the lockdown. Alcohol doesn’t really help. It instead puts you in a different state to assume that all is well yet it is an illusion. Besides, consumption of alcohol will reduce someone’s immunity, there other negative effects that you might spark off.” It is also recommended to engage in charity because helping others has a way of boosting optimism in a person. The medic also advises anyone with signs like loss of sleep and depression to seek professional services. “There is a toll-free number one can call during lockdown where mental health experts can help out. In case of an emergency, seeking help from nearby health centres or calling an ambulance is advised.” Dr Murekatete cautions people to understand that the virus needs to be taken seriously and not as a ‘joke’. There is now more than ever a need to comply with the containment measures established by health institutions in order to curb the spread of new infections. As of January 26, Rwanda has recorded 13,885 positive cases out of which 8,861 have recovered. As it stands, a total of 181 patients have succumbed to the virus.

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Covid-19 lockdown and mental health; a psychiatrist’s perspective