In light of the coronavirus pandemic, I think it is important to realize that everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. During this time a lot of people are feeling very anxious and lonely since the government has advised everyone to restrict leaving the house for only groceries and essential work and to stand six feet apart when around people. Social distancing has taken a hard toll on many people as many grandparents cannot see their grandchildren and children and friends and family are isolating themselves from each other for weeks. The measures to protect people are becoming more stringent to help stop the spread of coronavirus and even though they are necessary, they have both short term and long term effects on individuals. One of the articles I attached specifically talks about how there was a study on 549 hospital workers during the SARs outbreak and how they experienced more psychological distress and alcohol abuse years later than people who were less exposed to the virus. It is important that we take measure to lessen the effects of social distancing.
Quarantining has shown to increase insomnia, anxiousness, substance abuse, and emotional outbreaks because no one has control over the situation and are worried for the health and safety of their loved ones. It is also said that older people, healthcare workers, and people with pre-existing mental conditions are very vulnerable during this time. It is important that we make sure our healthcare workers are being checked on and that more telecommunication services will be available to help our essential workers and vulnerable populations get through this tough time.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-psychological-fallout (Links to an external site.) https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/social-distancing (Links to an external site.) https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/03/30/coronavirus-latest-news/ - By: Anissa Lukose