2020 was certainly a different year for us all globally, The tragic loss of so many lives have touched us all immensely in one way or another, the isolation (almost hermit like at times) along with not being able to travel to our favorite global holiday destinations to unwind during a hectic work year and in fact our very work environment so rapidly changing. The mental health of nearly every person on this planet in the last year has taken a direct hit by the very fallout of the Covid 19 infection as we all scramble to maintain our own physical health and well being by way of social distancing and isolation.
What we have learned from Covid-19
The pandemic has been treated as a societal emergency, as it should be and as it should continue to be before it can be contained and, hopefully, treated and cured. Infectious diseases, especially those like COVID-19, are reminders that health and medical research remain as vital as ever. They serve as a reminder that we as a society are not invincible and have a long way to go in understanding not only the human body but how it reacts to and manifests different diseases.
In these circumstances, it has been an important time for our community to analyse the current situation and reflect. As previously mentioned, society as a whole has seen a worrying increase of mental health issues due to the sudden impact on our daily lives and the constant worry of bad news and strict guidelines for social conduct. However, society has not only been impacted by these short-term, protective measures. Chronic illnesses have faced deprioritisation in the face of this emergency, with potential repercussions that could impact the longer term running of hospitals and treatment for patients.
Medical system:
Coronavirus disease has spread throughout the world unexpectedly. The medical system of most of the countries is not able to handle the sudden influx of patient numbers. As continued globalisation occurs, medical systems globally should be ready to cope with any kind of emergency like these pandemics. Moreover, the pandemic has also pointed out the lack of investments in the healthcare system. There should be more intensive care units and isolation centres to be prepared for any kind of pandemic that may break out at any time. The medical system has to be alert for the complex, changing disease structures around the world.
Remember this is not the “new normal”, when we look back through history. We see a long list of naturally occurring pandemics, even though the origins of most still remain, to an extent largely unexplained. Sars, swine flu, the plague, HIV, even obesity and cancer ranks as global pandemics, albeit not as swift acting as the others, the affects are just as devastating.
Personal and environmental hygiene:
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the entire world the importance of maintaining personal hygiene. People, despite knowing the significance of hygiene, have never taken it so seriously and have often been casual about it. Washing hands often using soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers is one of the basic preventive measures against COVID-19 that is advised by the experts. Personal hygiene plays a vital role in preventing many diseases and it is to be followed by every individual.
Moving forward:
As the full impact of COVID-19 is still unfolding in real time, Living With Depression is here to help support our customers by monitoring the impact on personal lives and providing insights into strategies that will help you cope better. Please feel free to click the link and let us know how you are coping. Do you have any strategies that you find are helping or do you need any help.
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