Note: Our podcast scripts are written so that the hosts can stay on topic while allowing for the freedom to explore other related topics at the same time. If you want to find a list of sources that correlate with our script, please consider checking out the corresponding resources for this episode.
Intro:
Welcome! You are listening to A POP of Psych, a chill and educational podcast about using psychology to give you more insight into the world around us.
Michelle: My name is Michelle and I am a rising senior from New Jersey and I will be one of your hosts on this podcast.
Stacey: Hi, I’m Stacey and am a rising junior also from New Jersey.
Julia: I’m Julia and I’m a rising junior from New Jersey as well
Michelle: In the inaugural episode of A POP of Psych, we will be focusing on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its mental health implications. We will also discuss some self-improvement tips and advice that you can apply during this period of quarantine.
Topic 1: Overview & previous outbreaks/pandemics
I want to start off this conversation on mental health and pandemics with a question. What do you associate a pandemic with? What does the news and media show us? Generally, when we think of a pandemic, we think of (and rightfully so) prioritizing public health. And the news focuses on the rising or decreasing numbers of those affected as well as the impact this pandemic has had on hospital capacity. However, we tend to overlook the mental health impacts of such pandemics of this scale.
I think it’s useful to look back on previous pandemics to inform us of what is happening right now → pattern of association between outbreaks and additional mental health problems
Stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger, and fear
2003 SARS
I wanted to discuss this outbreak in particular because it is one that shares many parallels with the current outbreak → characteristics
Infectious cause
Epidemiological features → pattern of how the virus is spreading
Namely, fast transition pattern
Ultimately, insufficient preparedness of health authorities to address the outbreaks
Thus, observations of the mental health consequences and measures in the 2003 SARS outbreak and other prior outbreaks can help inform us of the possible remedies to the current situation → I want to highlight a study as well
In a study conducted by the Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at the University of Macau after analyzing 2003 outbreak and comparing to current one the researchers made the following conclusions:
Timely mental health care needs should be urgently addressed
More accessible psychological aid services → I think the advent of services like Zoom are definitely a step towards improving the current situation
Another previous pandemic: Korean MERS outbreak in 2015 → In a case study conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción
Took a look at patients were treated with hemodialysis in an isolated environment
This particular research team studied the patients during their social isolation period for 2 weeks
Looked at: Levels of circulating cell-free genomic DNA and circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA → these are actually indicators of psychological stress in humans
Ultimately: these indicators, after the 2 week period, showed a significant delay in their normalization during the hemodialysis among the isolated patients in comparison to the control group
This case study implied that medical isolation during the Korean MERS outbreak was a factor in causing high levels of stress among these hemodialyzed patients
Extrapolate the implication of this case study: we can kind of see right now how quarantine and social isolation definitely plays a role in impacting our mental health → we’re not seeing our friends, colleagues, and co-workers! So this kind of experience is one that we are all sharing right now.
In the next segment, Stacey will explore the current situation in-depth.
Topic 2: Current Impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health
The novel coronavirus is capable of direct and indirect means of mental health deterioration. To better visualize the situation, so to speak as this is a podcast LOL, three categories of people can be generalized and it is important to note the overlaps:
First of which being Confirmed/Suspected Patients
These people fear the consequences of infection
Specifically (1) the physical repercussions
but also (2) the capability of spreading the disease to those closest to them, but also to those around them.
The second category is Health Professionals
These individuals fear the high risk and rate of infection in their workplace, personally, but also spreading the communicable disease to their family and friends.
Studies have shown the Development of psychiatric disorders during and post aiding in this population.
They are at a critical risk of developing psychological distress, rooted in the demanding workload, the exhaustion of medical supplies and PPE, and the coverage of the media.
Also to mention is the General public in isolation and/or under the lockdown restrictions
These people can be associated with Boredom and Loneliness in the pandemic, of varying degrees of course
But also lacking purpose and ability to stay productive for a prolonged period of time
A large majority of them are in some way economically affected by this pandemic,
As well as shares concerns of infection
And other political issues that are being popularized via the media
The commonality amongst these generalized groups is the toll COVID-19 has on mental health, in the forms of mental illnesses and disorders. As a disclaimer, the more common mental disorders will be mentioned. This is not to downplay any lesser known mental disorder that may be exacerbated in a pandemic setting, as it is key to understand that people go through different things, thoughts, emotions, and we should be accepting of any mental disorder, as we are with physical illnesses.
Depression
Depression is the mood disorder associated with feelings of sadness and the loss of interest, severely impacting how you think, but also how you function.
Depression is furthered in the COVID era because of social isolation and the limiting of contact with other humans, but the safety of every being is a priority.
Anxiety
Anxiety is defined as the human reaction to what is potentially or is stressful and/or dangerous, but repeated episodes of anxiety may be rooted in an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is the name for the umbrella of a group of mental disorders, including OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
In a situation of uncertainty, anxiety is a given, especially with constant updates from the media but no vision of an end. But when repeated episodes of anxiety hinder your ability to function, a visit to your physician is required.
OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder)
OCD is the abbreviated version of Obsessive-compulsive disorder where obsessions, or intrusive thoughts, feelings, etc., affect the ability of a person to function and/or the urge to stop these obsessions via repeated compulsions.
In a pandemic, there is a pressure to implement ritualistic behaviors
such as Excessive hand-washing
hoarding
and worrying about what is to come, as we are in a situation of uncertainty...
Worsening or potentially developing OCD in an individual.
Those with pre-existing mental disorders are among the most vulnerable to the mental effects of this pandemic, as pre-existing mental disorders are exacerbated in the panic-stricken situation that continues to unfold.
Though it is 2020, there is still a stigma associated with mental health. And here’s why it needs to end.
Some of those with a diagnosable mental illness do not, and/or cannot seek proper medical attention
But also the line where what is normal and what is excessive is blurry
as behaviors or thought patterns that are excessive are just shrugged off as normal by society, adding fuel to the fire.
It is important to note that psychological assistance services, reached via telephone, the internet, etc. are more accessible to the public in this pandemic in particular.
It was announced on February 2nd of this year, the State Council of China created psychological assistance hotlines
And The CDC has a list of helplines on their website. Please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 website for tips and a list of helpful resources.
The next segment will be a compilation of advice and recommendations, as discussed equally seriously as conversationally by Julia and me.
Topic 3:
Moving on to the next segment, advice for quarantine, hi I’m julia and I’m with my co-host stacey
Stacey: Hello!
After the quarantine all my routines have been shifted and it made me become more aware for balance in my life.
1. Stop looking at news
One advice that I want to give you all is to stop checking the news.
Now I’m not telling you to not get updated on what is going on in the world, but I’m saying that the constant updates, sometimes with misleading information or lack of information, especially on social media, can expose people to conflicting information and can cause more stress.
To make this stressful time less stressful, everyone stop looking at the news too frequently
2. Limit screen time
I also wanted to point out that with all the free time many people are online for long periods of time.
Screen-based activities are very easily accessible and can help fill time, but it is also very unhealthy to be in front of a screen for too long
I am guilty of this too.
3. Health
It is very important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during quarantine
4. Find other hobbies
I know a lot of people are using this quarantine to try new things out because now they have the time to do so.
Somethings you could do are
Exercise - go outside
I actually have started exercising and I am so sore. I realized how unfit I am
Social play
You can go on zoom or other platforms
Although it isn’t the best, it’s still something
Everyone should have some social play going on
Education
Reading
I have started reading this quarantine too
I honestly thought I hated reading but as I had the time to start, I realized I just never found the books that I enjoyed to read before
I read ebooks since we can’t go to the library in my town
My library has a ebook borrowing app/website and its so great
You can meditate
Honestly you can be as creative as you want
Do things that you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t because you had no time to do so before
However, remember to be social distancing and wear a mask if it involves going out
5. Self-improvement
Self-improvement methods are different for every person
You should try to find a balance that works for you
But some things I recommend are making tiny steps
Don’t make huge goals for yourself
Start small and focus on one change at a time
You can have one big overarching goal and have smaller subgoals so you can accomplish one, one by one to reach the big goal
Also you should always plan for obstacles
In life there are always going to be obstacles, but instead of trying to avoid them, you can plan how to deal with them
Have coping strategies
And most importantly you must be aware that it might not go smoothly but still have the determination to go on
You should be able to adjust your plan along the way
The time and effort you invest will be rewarded in the end
Outro:
went over mental health impacts of the pandemic and some advice for how to cope with the quarantine
As PSA, remind people to be safe and practice social distancing and wear masks
Look forward to our next few episodes which will be featuring our hosts one on one
And go to our website for the scripts and the resources we used & feel free to use the contact form to give us feedback on what you want to hear
Thank you for listening and we'll be back soon!
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