Have you ever imagined a situation where people are not able to meet their loved ones and spend their whole day at home? Most of us might not have thought about it, right? 

Covid-19 is a newly discovered infectious disease that mainly affects the respiratory system of human beings. According to WHO, fever, dry cough, common cold, tiredness can be common among the people who are infected, whereas shortness of breath, chest pain, and loss of movement is the severe symptoms of the coronavirus. 

The first cases of Covid-19 were reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. But, the world took a different mode when a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) was identified in January 2020. 

The cases of coronavirus rapidly inclined and many people lost their loved ones and most countries announced national lock-downs to slow down the cases as there was no vaccine and medicines. During the period of lockdown, though people were in touch with their family, friends, and relatives virtually, the absence of physical meets made them feel miserable. As the duration of lock-down extended, people found it difficult to spend their time especially those who were engaged in employment, business, and education.   

During the first wave of COVID-19, the prevalence of psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, fear, compulsive behaviors increased. According to the data of the Nepal Police, 16 to 18 persons attempted suicide every day in 2020 because of mental health issues. Meanwhile, when people were suffering and dealing with the first wave of coronavirus, the second wave hit them really hard.  

Though there was little improvement in health services as compared to the first wave, the second wave greatly impacted people’s mental status as the number of cases and death rates inclined. Even availability of different vaccines didn’t help to decrease the level of fear among people, it instead became a complex matter to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Similarly, not only people who are accompanied by social isolation but the transformation of working setting and high-pressure work among health professionals and infected persons are more likely to be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues. They are not allowed to stay at home as well as they are facing verbal abuse from their own family and neighbors at the same time.

In addition, with the closure of hotels, restaurants, clubs, and pubs for a long time, the entrepreneurs had to close their business permanently as they were able to pay rents and loans, which resulted in financial crisis and psychological problems as well. 

Nepal is a favorable destination for all domestic and international tourists and tourism has helped numerous people economically. The travel restrictions as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus have greatly affected the tourism sector. Due to the pandemic, those people who were engaged in the tourism sector are facing psychological problems along with the economic crisis. 

Furthermore, social isolation and lock-down have led youngsters astray. They are more likely to consume drugs and alcohol so that they can feel better and can spend their leisure time as they have been dealing with anxiety and fear regarding their studies and work pressure. 

All in all, social distancing, lockdown, and self-isolation have affected the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of all people. The fear of getting infected to the fear of survival in this pandemic has mainly disturbed the mental health of the people and many have lost their lives due to the high anxiety, fear, and depression. The psychological impacts of COVID-19 are becoming more challenging, hence it is crucial to address coping strategies and mental health awareness among every denizen of the country and the world. The field of counseling psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatric and psychiatric social workers can be a great help to encourage people and to overcome their psychological problems. 

Here are some tips that help you to cope with psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1. Keep engaging yourself with recreational activities like reading books, meditating, playing games, singing, dancing.

2. Stay in touch with your loved ones from time to time virtually and share how you spend your days.

3. Don’t overthink and just think that this situation shall pass soon.

4. You can attend mental health-related webinars as there are a plethora of organizations conducting virtual mental health sessions.

5. If you are suffering from an extreme level of mental health issues, you can contact mental health helplines or can register counseling sessions with counselors.